"As the entire world is struggling with the COVID-19 crisis, Myanmar too is feeling the heat with 41 cases, including two cases reported on 13 April morning. Myanmar reported its first case sometime back around 24 March amidst growing scepticism about it’s apparent lack of cases despite sharing a 2,220-kilometer-long border with China. As may be recalled, China is where the pandemic emerged with the toll put at 83,305. Incidentally, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Myanmar while the virus containment initiatives were ongoing, back home. The visit was aimed at cementing bilateral relations further. However, amidst the current crisis, it’s important to re-assess how the relationship may unfold in the days to come. Till a week back, Myanmar had reported only a handful of cases with no trace of the virus migrating from China. This may be partly since the Hubei province, where the pandemic epicentre Wuhan is located, does not border Myanmar. Also, both the regions have less business dealings. However, a constant factor that stands tall amidst this humongous crisis is not to offend or annoy the heavy-weighted neighbour while it was facing its critical period. This move has been quite visible while receiving President Xi in Naypyidaw on 18 January. Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi consciously avoided the topic of the new virus so as not to put her guest in an embarrassing position..."