China puts weight behind political transition process for Myanmar

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China has extended its support to a political transition process in military-ruled Myanmar.

However, Beijing also urged the international community to play a “constructive role in helping Myanmar achieve peace and reconciliation.”

The comments were made by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang during his meeting with Myanmar’s junta ruler Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Daw, Myanmar’s capital, on Tuesday.

“China sincerely hopes Myanmar will achieve stability and national development,” said Qin, according to Chinese state media and a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement on Wednesday.

He said China supports Myanmar in exploring a development path with characteristics that “suit its national conditions.”

China, said Qin, “supports Myanmar in advancing its political transition process and backs relevant parties in the country to properly address differences and seek national reconciliation under the constitutional and legal framework.”

“The international community should respect Myanmar's sovereignty and play a constructive role in helping Myanmar achieve peace and reconciliation,” he added.

The Southeast Asian Buddhist-majority nation witnessed a military coup in February 2021 after Myanmar’s military overthrew the National League for Democracy (NLD) government and installed a junta regime.

During the post-coup period, at least 3,240 people have been killed by regime forces.

- China backs improved Myanmar-Bangladesh relations

During the meeting on Tuesday, Hlaing and China’s top diplomat reiterated what the two neighbors call “Paukphaw” or fraternal friendship.

Qin said: “The Chinese side will continue to do what is in its power to help Myanmar in its development efforts, accelerate key cooperation projects of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, and implement projects on agriculture, education and health care, among others, for the benefit of the Myanmar people.”

Beijing, said the Chinese foreign minister, “supports Myanmar improving its relations with Bangladesh, with related issues to be resolved through consultation.”

China is “willing to work with the two countries to expand China-Myanmar-Bangladesh pragmatic cooperation,” Qin added.

Hlaing said he “appreciated China's objective and impartial position on Myanmar-related issues, where China is welcome to play a greater role.”

While assuring the safety of Chinese nationals and institutions in Myanmar, Hlaing said: “Myanmar is always ready to cooperate with the Chinese side to maintain tranquility in the border areas of the two countries.”

Separately, Qin met Than Shwe, Myanmar’s foreign minister, who is also the former chairman of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council.

“China has always been a good neighbor, friend and partner that Myanmar can rely on, and has always supported Myanmar in maintaining stability and promoting development,” Qin told Shwe.

“China respects Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly supports Myanmar in maintaining its independence and autonomy, maintaining political stability and achieving sustainable development,” said Qin, adding that Beijing supports Myanmar “in steadily advancing the political transformation process.”