China\u2019s foreign minister has met Myanmar\u2019s top general in Naypyidaw, hailing the \u201cfriendship\u201d between the two nations and pledging to boost ties as violence escalates in the Southeast Asian country two years after a military coup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Qin Gang\u2019s meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday makes the diplomat the highest-ranking Chinese official to meet Myanmar\u2019s coup leader since he snatched power from the elected government in February 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
China is a major ally and arms supplier of the internationally isolated military and has refused to condemn Min Aung Hlaing\u2019s takeover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The coup, which deposed elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, prompted widespread peaceful protests that security forces suppressed with deadly force<\/a>. Thousands of people have been killed in the crackdown, leading to armed resistance<\/a> throughout the country that the military has been unable to quell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Chinese CGTN broadcaster said Qin told Min Aung Hlaing that Beijing attaches \u201cgreat importance\u201d to its \u201cfriendship\u201d with Myanmar and said the two men agreed to \u201cfurther promote comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChina advocates that the international community should respect Myanmar\u2019s sovereignty and play a constructive role in helping it achieving peace and reconciliation,\u201d Qin said, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myanmar\u2019s state-run MRTV quoted Qin as saying that his visit \u201cnot only indicates the friendship of the two countries but also China\u2019s stance on Myanmar on the world stage\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For his part, the general told Qin he appreciated Beijing\u2019s \u201cobjective and fair stance on Myanmar-related issues and welcomes China to play a greater role\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n China has strategic geopolitical and economic interests in Myanmar, its southern neighbour, and is one of the few large nations that has maintained good relations with its military since the coup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with Russia, Beijing is a major arms supplier to Myanmar\u2019s military. It is also Myanmar\u2019s biggest trading partner and has invested billions of dollars in the neighbouring country\u2019s mines, oil and gas pipelines and other infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMajor arms supplier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n