The cyclone in Myanmar and earthquake in China are grim reminders of how neighbors need to help one another. Asian countries have a duty to offer assistance to one another, and to accept it. The refusal of aid by the military junta in Myanmar exposes citizens to more suffering than necessary. In the case of China, authorities accepted economic assistance but stalled on admitting rescue workers and trained personnel. The result was more suffering than necessary.

The willingness to help in economic and human terms has not been lacking, only the means to make it happen. Teams of rescue workers, medical personnel and equipment operators still wait idly near airports for emergency visas, although, in China, they are starting to be admitted. Meanwhile, unknown numbers of sufferers lie trapped under rubble, isolated in dangerous areas, and fending for themselves without food, water or medicine. In both countries, many have died when a simple "OK" would have brought immediate help to thousands of victims.

Myanmar and China's reasons for not accepting aid may be different in many regards, but both governments seem to harbor suspicions about help from abroad. Wanting to do everything oneself is an admirable sign of political independence, but refusing genuine help is unreasonable. In times of emergency, relief for victims should come first and national pride a distant second.