China pledges support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and security during Wang Yi’s meeting with Min Aung Hlaing

BEIJING, April 26 — China’s top diplomat Wang Yi said Beijing would “firmly support” Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty and security during talks with junta leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing.

Wang, who is on a three-country Southeast Asia tour that also includes Cambodia and Thailand, said the visit aims to deepen ties amid regional “risks” and position China as a more stable partner compared to the United States.

According to a Chinese foreign ministry statement released on Saturday, Wang told Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw that China supports Myanmar “in forging a development path suited to its national conditions and supported by its people.”

He added that both sides should use this “first year” of Myanmar’s new government to strengthen traditional ties and open new avenues for cooperation.

Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in a 2021 military coup, was sworn in as president earlier this month under a civilian title. The inauguration was attended by foreign representatives, including from China, which analysts say was the strongest backer of the recent election process.

Observers have criticised the tightly controlled polls held in January as an attempt to legitimise military rule, with large parts of the country excluded due to ongoing conflict with armed resistance groups.

Wang also said China was ready to work with Myanmar to “thoroughly eliminate” online gambling and telecom fraud networks.

Myanmar has become a major hub for cyber scam operations in recent years, with transnational criminal groups initially targeting Chinese-speaking victims before expanding globally and generating billions in losses annually. — AFP