Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Meets Hlaing, Emphasizes Bilateral Friendship

Min Aung Hlaing Myanmar Commander-in-Chief
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As China continues to take a lukewarm stance on the Myanmar military coup, the Chinese ambassador to Myanmar met with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and emphasized the friendly relations between the two countries. Senior General Hlaing is the main perpetrator of the military coup.

According to Huanqiu.com and others on the 7th, Chen Hai, the Chinese ambassador to Myanmar, met with Senior General Hlaing on the 5th to discuss China-Myanmar relations and China's COVID-19 prevention support.

The Chinese government, which has exerted significant political, economic, and military influence over Myanmar, has taken a wait-and-see approach between the military led by Senior General Hlaing and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi since the coup.

At the meeting with Senior General Hlaing, Ambassador Chen said, "China values its traditional friendship with Myanmar" and "sincerely hopes that Myanmar will quickly restore peace and stability."

Ambassador Chen also stated, "We support the implementation of what Myanmar and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have agreed upon."

Senior General Hlaing introduced the current situation in Myanmar to Ambassador Chen, saying, "Myanmar is striving to maintain national stability, develop the economy and people's livelihood, and uphold democracy and the rule of law," and added, "We are working together with ASEAN to stabilize the domestic situation in Myanmar and promote the implementation of related consensus."

He also emphasized, "China is an important neighbor to Myanmar, and we will maintain communication with China."