China has come out in support of a plan by Myanmar’s military junta to hold an election next year to resolve a crisis that has plunged the Southeast Asian country into armed conflict.
“We support Myanmar in achieving domestic political reconciliation within the framework of its constitution … and restarting the process of democratic transition through elections,” Wang said in the Thai city of Chiang Mai on Friday.
The foreign minister was in Thailand for a meeting with his counterparts from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) forum, a grouping that also includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.
During the LMC meeting, Wang repeatedly highlighted China’s concerns over crime – including gambling, human trafficking and online scam syndicates – at borders with the countries. The countries agreed to hold a ministerial-level meeting this year to address such non-traditional security threats in the region.
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Myanmar’s military government lost direct control over 86% of its territory after months of fighting
Myanmar’s military government lost direct control over 86% of its territory after months of fighting
Wang’s trip comes as tensions have escalated in Myanmar between the junta and various opposition groups, particularly along the border with China.
In a rare admission, the junta said that rebels had captured three senior military commanders, including a major general, in the northeastern command in Lashio, Shan state, in recent weeks.
Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing said in mid-June that an election would be held after a population census in October – an offer given as the authorities continued to lose ground in the fighting.
The junta has promised multiple times before to hold an election to transfer power to a civilian government.
Wang met Hlaing in Naypyidaw on Wednesday and promised to give technical support and aid to conduct a census to pave the way for an election, state newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar reported.
But Beijing’s statement about the meeting did not mention assistance.
While in Chiang Mai, Wang also held a series of meetings on the sidelines of the LMC.
In talks with foreign ministers from Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, Wang said no countries were more concerned about Myanmar’s stability than its neighbours.
“We have all … hope that we can help Myanmar to de-escalate the tension in the country. The current situation is worrying,” the Chinese foreign ministry quoted Wang as saying.
He urged the countries to work together to promote “peaceful reconciliation” and support the junta’s proposal.
He also urged them to respect three red lines: no civil wars should be allowed in Myanmar, Myanmar should not leave the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and no “external infiltration” should be allowed.
Wang did not say what he meant by external infiltration, but Beijing has previously accused the United States of trying to “stir chaos and colour revolutions” around the world.
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Myanmar residents flee to Thailand as junta loses control of border town
Myanmar residents flee to Thailand as junta loses control of border town
While the foreign ministers were meeting in Chiang Mai, US officials held talks online with members of Myanmar’s opposition camp, pledging to expand direct support to help a transition to a civilian government, according to the US State Department.
State Department counsellor Tom Sullivan and USAID official Michael Schiffer took part in the meeting with exiled politicians, opposition members and some armed rebel groups including the Karen National Union, the Karenni National Progressive Party, and the Chin National Front.
The US officials at the meeting also pledged to continue pressure on the junta, which has been under US sanctions since it took power in a coup in 2021.
