That was in the bad old days of the Burmese Road to Socialism.

ECONOMIST: Pukkah hotels

Some netizens mentioned the fact Mr Xu's suicide happened just days after the Burmese government said it was lifting its censorship, and lamented the sad state of affairs for Chinese intellectuals and journalists.

BBC: China editor's suicide sparks web debate

Three U.S. Navy ships could reach the affected area within four days, but the Burmese government has not granted permission for the U.S. military to enter Burma.

CNN: Limited cyclone aid begins moving