"Myanmar Chinese Embassy's First Contact with Provisional Government... Will China Take on a Mediation Role?"

First Contact Between China and Democratic Camp Since Coup
Local Media Reports "China Expresses Desire to Open Communication Channels"

On the 7th (local time), citizens participated in a protest against the military junta in Mandalay, Myanmar. Mandalay (Myanmar) = EPA Yonhap

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Amid growing resentment among the Myanmar people toward China, which is known to be sympathetic to the Myanmar military junta, the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar has recently been reported to have contacted the pro-democracy interim government. As predictions arise that the Chinese government will actively open dialogue channels with the democratic camp, attention is focused on whether China can play a mediating role between the military junta and the democratic forces in the prolonged Myanmar crisis.

On the 8th, local media The Irrawaddy cited multiple sources reporting that a counselor from the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar had a phone conversation last week with officials from the 'Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw' (CRPH), the interim government. The media added, "This is the first contact between the two sides since the coup." During this phone call, both sides reportedly discussed the situation in Myanmar following the coup.

The CRPH is an organization established by lawmakers elected in last year's general election from the National League for Democracy (NLD), the civilian government’s ruling party, to oppose the military junta and establish a democratic government.

The Irrawaddy reported, "It appears that CRPH officials requested China’s support for the efforts of CRPH and the Myanmar people to remove the military regime and restore a civilian government in Myanmar."

Regarding this, the Chinese side reportedly expressed that the current situation is not what China desired and voiced concerns about the safety of Chinese nationals and Chinese investment facilities amid the violent unrest.

The Irrawaddy stated, "During this phone call, the Chinese government did not clearly mention whether it would play a mediating role between the military junta and the democratic camp in this crisis." However, the media added, "It seems that the Chinese government expressed a desire to keep communication channels open with the CRPH."

Prior to this, since the coup, the CRPH is known to have sent letters to the Chinese side at least three times, urging the Chinese government to side with the Myanmar people rather than the military regime.

Wang Yi, China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, stated at last month’s National People's Congress (NPC) press conference, "China will play a constructive role in easing tensions by engaging with various countries based on respect for Myanmar’s sovereignty and the will of its people."

Unlike Western countries that have strongly condemned the Myanmar coup, China has shown a lukewarm response to the Myanmar crisis, drawing criticism from the international community.

In particular, as China reportedly opposed sanctions against the Myanmar military at the United Nations Security Council, anti-China sentiment is growing among the Myanmar people.

According to foreign media, during the Security Council meeting, Western countries attempted to include language in a statement condemning the Myanmar military that indicated "preparation to consider additional measures," implying sanctions against the military, but China opposed this.