Myanmar coup leader meets Chinese Foreign Minister

Myanmar coup leader meets Chinese Foreign Minister

The Myanmar coup leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, met with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in the capital Naypyidaw, on the afternoon of 14 August 2024, according to the junta-controlled Myawaddy TV.

At the meeting Wang Yi said that China is actively working towards and cooperating for Myanmar's peace and stability. He also expressed his opposition to the recent actions by ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) targeting towns and villages in northern Shan State, according to Myawaddy TV.

It reported that Wang Yi also affirmed China’s strong support  for Myanmar’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and that China backed the junta’s efforts to hold a general election.

He also said that China could provide technical assistance to help the junta carry out its pre-election census. and called for the elections to be inclusive with the full participation of all stakeholders.

The two also discussed ways to promote economic cooperation between Myanmar and China, according to Myawaddy TV.

Later, the coup leader and the delegation led by Wang held a bilateral meeting, attended by several junta ministers.

In that meeting Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar attaches great importance to its relationship with China, that it is committed to strengthening Myanmar-China friendship and will always be a trusted and friendly neighbour to China.

Wang visited Naypyidaw just before going to participate in the Ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Thailand.

Previously, Wang met with former Myanmar President, U Thein Sein, in Beijing on 4 June 2024 when Thein Sein came to attend  the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Prior to Wang Yi’s visit, China’s Special Envoy for Asian Affairs, Deng Xijun, held talks with Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw, on 8 August 2024. He then returned to the capital with Wang Yi.

Wang previously visited Myanmar in July 2022 for the Seventh Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting, but that time he did not meet with Min Aung Hlaing.

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