China will not tolerate any efforts to undermine Myanmar’s interests and will support Myanmar’s successful election, the Chinese Premier said.
The State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met with the Chinese Premier Mr Li Qiang and said that the discussions can only be held if the MNDAA, TNLA and AA show clear actions that they want peace.
SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is now in China to attend the summits, met Chinese Premier Mr Li Qiang at Haigeng Garden Hotel in Kunming on November 6.
During the meeting, Mr Li Qiang expressed his warm welcome to the Senior General and party, highlighting the connection between the mountains and rivers of the two countries, sharing longstanding Pauk-Phaw friendship, and collaborating to overcome the changes and challenges in political affairs. He also expressed his willingness to enhance the bilateral relations and cooperation.
The Senior General expressed appreciation for the hospitality of the Chinese government and officials, and for successfully holding the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 3rd plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
He added that the meeting could discuss the existing bilateral relations and Pauk-Phaw friendship-related matters, and it could create close collaboration in regions and on the international stage in addition to the two countries. One China policy was adopted successfully over 70 years after the founding of China, and Myanmar has always supported the One China policy as it is a crucial cornerstone of China.
He also expressed gratitude to China for assisting after Typhoon Yagi hit Myanmar, saying China is the second largest investor among the 52 foreign countries investing in Myanmar, and a special focus is placed on the safety of Chinese investments, projects, and people.
He continued that Myanmar will work with China for assistance in economic and technology, as well as the enhancement of collaboration and energy security, aiming to develop the country. The Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukpyu railway road project will start in possible areas.
Concerning peace, he continued that Tatmadaw declared a unilateral ceasefire in 2018 and worked for peace. Tatmadaw conducted a counterattack when the armed groups started fighting during the period of ceasefire. MNDAA, TNLA, and AA rejected the government’s peace talks in April 2022. The MNDAA attacked the military outposts in the border area of Shan State (North) and Chinshwehaw on 27 October 2023 to re-establish their Special Region 1. Although it reached an agreement after the negotiation with the Chinese government, they broke the agreement and initiated attacks in towns and villages.
The door of peace is always open if they genuinely want peace. The armed insurgents should do what needs to be done instead of giving priority to their needs and wishes. Moreover, the MNDAA, TNLA, and AA should have clear and specific actions for peace so that dialogue can materialize. Stability and development in border areas are crucial for regional and State development, and only stability can promote cooperation in economy and trade. Therefore, illegal trading, the central pillar of armed insurgents in borders, should be wholly eradicated. Border trade plays a vital role, whereas yuan-kyat direct payment is in operation.
Chinese Premier pledged to stand with Myanmar for internal peace and stability as an excellent neighbouring country. Moreover he appreciated the Myanmar government for inviting peace dialogues to solve armed conflicts without terror acts but with political means. He continued that China agreed with a five-point roadmap of the State Administration Council and will continue to support holding the election successfully. The stability in northern Myanmar is crucial, and China reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar and strongly opposes the actions that harm the interests of Myanmar.
Moreover, he mentioned that the border posts of the two countries should be under the control of governments, and proper measures will be taken to enhance China-Myanmar relations and trust politically.
He added that the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor project is a top project, so the work plans should be accelerated. Starting from the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-Myanmar diplomatic ties, cooperation in various sectors will be made to consolidate bilateral friendship and deepen the collaboration between the two peoples. He then pledged that China would firmly stand with Myanmar on the international stage.
The Senior General attended the dinner party for the Eighth Greater Mekong Sub-region Economic Cooperation Programme (GMS) Summit at Kunming Intercontinental Hotel on the same evening.
