Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Myanmar ruler Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing on Wednesday and highlighted Beijing’s continued support for the military regime, even as the junta had to dispel rumors of a coup, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported.
Pro-junta media reported that the two men held a closed-door meeting in the capital Naypyidaw during which Wang expressed China’s hope for Myanmar’s stability and development, expressed appreciation for Myanmar’s continued endorsement of China’s claim to sovereignty over the democratic island of Taiwan, and pledged China’s steadfast support in international forums.
RFA said the meeting came amid calls from junta supporters for the removal of Min Aung Hlaing over his failure to eliminate the armed opposition and rumors circulating on social media that he had been deposed by a fellow general, which the military regime’s True News Information Team denied.
During Wednesday’s talks, Wang emphasized the need for all stakeholders to be represented in an election that the junta has promised for next year, but which critics say will be an illegitimate sham. Wang also offered China’s assistance with election-related matters and technical support for a census in preparation for the vote, media reports said.
Wang expressed Beijing’s opposition to attacks by ethnic armed groups on towns and villages in northern Shan state, which borders China, according to RAF.
Junta officials reportedly responded by saying that Myanmar would not permit any actions that could harm China’s interests and is placing special attention on China’s stability, development and security.
Beijing has not released any information regarding the meeting or discussions with the junta and details of Wang’s statement were not carried by pro-junta media.
Photo: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meeting with Myanmar ruler Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw on Wednesday. (from The Global New Light of Myanmar)
