Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the Myanmar military council’s Foreign Minister Than Swe on August 14 during his visit to Anning, Yunnan Province, where he attended the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. During this meeting, the Chinese Foreign Minister expressed his hope that Myanmar would achieve three key objectives through the military council’s announced elections, including national reconciliation.
The Chinese Foreign Minister detailed the three objectives he envisioned for Myanmar: achieving a cessation of hostilities among all parties through elections, building internal peace as desired by the public, establishing national reconciliation and unity, and furthermore, focusing on reconstruction following the March 28 earthquake, developing socio-economic conditions, and rebuilding social harmony. Wang Yi emphasized these goals as crucial milestones for Myanmar’s future development and stability.
Additionally, the Chinese Foreign Minister pressed the Myanmar military council to ensure the security of Chinese citizens, organizations, and projects within Myanmar. He specifically emphasized the need for effective control of cross-border crimes and maintaining peace and stability along the China-Myanmar border. This diplomatic engagement can be viewed as China’s attempt to protect its economic and political interests in Myanmar, with Wang Yi making clear demands for the protection of Chinese investments and interests within the country. The meeting highlighted China’s continued involvement in Myanmar’s affairs, particularly focusing on security concerns and stability along their shared border.
