A former United Nations envoy to Burma says Beijing and Washington should push harder for reforms in the military-ruled country.
Razali Ismail, a veteran Malaysian diplomat, quit his role as a UN envoy this month after being denied entry into Burma for almost two years.
He says China should use its alliance with Burma's military leaders to encourage them to embrace reforms. He also says the United States should do more to engage Rangoon, and should treat Burma with the same seriousness that it treats North Korea.
Washington has strongly criticized Burma's politics, but critics say the U.S. has been reluctant to deal with its leaders.
Beijing has also avoided calling for greater democracy in Burma, and has not pressed the country to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
Information for this report is provided by AP and AFP.