China eyes closer ties with Myanmar

China has been on a diplomatic offensive ever since the Nobel Peace Prize laureate’s government came to power in April, aiming to forge good ties with its resource-rich neighbour. 

Xu Qiliang, a vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, which controls the armed forces and is headed by Xi, told Suu Kyi that China “highly values the friendly cooperation between the two countries”, state news agency Xinhua said. 

“China firmly upholds a friendly policy towards Myanmar and supports Myanmar’s national reconciliation process,” Xu said during Friday’s meeting in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar. 

“Xu mentioned Aung San Suu Kyi’s recent trip to China, during which she reached consensus with the Chinese leadership on further enhancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Myanmar,” it added. China will keep playing a constructive role in pushing forward Myanmar’s peace process and hopes the two countries can work together to maintain peace and stability on their border, Xu said. 

China had a close relationship with Myanmar’s former military-run government, and has looked on with some nervousness at its democratisation process.