A visit from big brother

While The New Light of Myanmar often reports on foreign delegations, it's not often that the exchange focuses on judicial affairs. Yesterday, a delegation from China arrived led by Bai Jingfu, Deputy Director of the Internal and Judicial Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress. He was in Naypyitaw met by Chairman of the Pyithu Hluttaw Judiciary and Legal Affairs Committee Thura U Aung Ko.

I'd only heard rumors before that Burma was looking to China as a model for governance, but this latest report might suggest an actual exchange. While still authoritarian, China's government has improved the capacity and efficiency of its judicial system, so Mr. Bai might have insights to share. On the other hand, China's Communist law system is (or should be) very different from Burma's common law heritage. I'd love to see what they end up discussing. Sadly, I doubt we'll see leaks from their meetings reported in NLM anytime soon.

I've reprinted the brief news clipping below:

Chinese Dy Director of Internal & Judicial Affairs Committee of NPC arrives

NAY PYI TAW, 13 Nov - A Chinese delegation led by Mr. Bai Jingfu, Deputy Director of the Internal and Judicial Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, visited Maha Myatmuni Buddha Image and U Pein Bridge in Mandalay this morning.

They left Mandalay this evening by air for Nay Pyi Taw. They were seen off at Mandalay International Airport by Deputy Speaker of Mandalay Region Hluttaw U Aung Htay Kyaw and members.

The Chinese delegation was welcomed at Nay Pyi Taw Airport by Chairman of Pyithu Hluttaw Judiciary and Legal Affairs Committee Thura U Aung Ko, Chairman of International Relations Committee U Hla Myint Oo and officials.-MNA