MYANMAR: A former military leader of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe, has called on China to help end internal conflict and stabilize the country, China’s foreign ministry said on Thursday.
The 91-year-old ruled Myanmar from 1992 to 2011 when the country was facing the condemnation of Western governments for suppressing democracy and detaining Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
The foreign ministry said Than Shwe, during a meeting with Wang Yi, lauded Beijing’s long-term support and said he hoped it would continue to provide valuable support to help the country prevent external interference and maintain domestic stability.
Wang told Than Shwe that China was willing to help Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, and support Myanmar in its efforts to achieve domestic political reconciliation.
Wang is currently on a visit to Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw for talks with the junta leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing. Myanmar’s media reported that China had offered to help the country organize an election next year.
The Myanmar military, sanctioned Western countries after ousting a government led by Suu Kyi in early 2021. Myanmar has been relying on China for diplomatic, military and economic support.
But China has maintained close ties with some of the ethnic minority insurgent forces fighting the junta.
China is one of Myanmar’s main foreign investors, in energy and minerals in particular, and some insurgents have promised to protect China’s interests.
