China pledges support for Myanmar elections

During a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw on August 14, the two sides discussed holding a "comprehensive election," according to the Global New Light of Myanmar.

A newspaper published by Myanmar's Ministry of Information stated: "Necessary technological support will be provided to Myanmar to conduct the census process. Furthermore, essential support will be provided for the elections."

Myanmar's military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing (right), exchanges gifts with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Naypyidaw on August 14. Photo: Myanmar Military True News Information Team

Last month, Myanmar's generals extended the state of emergency for another six months to allow more time to compile census data for the voter list. Min Aung Hlaing had previously stated that an election would be held next year.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that "China's policy of friendship with Myanmar is directed towards all the people of Myanmar."

Wang Yi said that China maintains a non-interference stance in internal affairs, respects Myanmar's political traditions, and "the path of development that Myanmar chooses based on its own national conditions."

"China opposes the chaos and war in Myanmar, the interference of outside forces in Myanmar's internal affairs, and any attempts to sow discord between China and Myanmar," he said.

During their meeting on August 14, the two leaders also discussed the situation in volatile border regions, combating online gambling and fraud, and economic cooperation, according to state media reports.

Myanmar's military is currently under unprecedented pressure following three years of civilian rule, with growing armed insurgency against the military government and a weakening economy.

Since last year, the China-Myanmar border region has witnessed fierce fighting, with government forces suffering a series of defeats, including the fall of Lashio in northern Shan State, the first of 14 regional military command posts to be seized by rebels.

Last October, a rebel coalition led by three major anti-military government groups launched Operation 1027 near the Chinese border, inflicting significant losses on Myanmar's military government. The offensive was halted after Beijing brokered a ceasefire.

But fighting resumed in June after the ceasefire collapsed, marking the beginning of the second phase of intensified operations, in which Lashio was recaptured from the military junta.

Following his visit to Myanmar, Wang Yi is expected to attend a meeting with several Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Thailand on August 16th.

Ngoc Anh (according to Global New Light Of Myanmar, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trung-quoc-cam-ket-ho-tro-cho-cuoc-bau-cu-o-myanmar-post307840.html