A former military leader of Myanmar, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, has called on China to help Myanmar end internal conflict and stabilize the country, according to China's foreign ministry.
The 91-year-old ruled during a period of strict military rule, from 1992 to 2011, when Myanmar was facing the condemnation of Western governments for suppressing democracy and locking up Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. He is rarely seen in public these days.
Than Shwe, during a meeting on Wednesday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, praised Beijing’s long-term support and said he hoped it would continue “to provide valuable support to help Myanmar prevent external interference and maintain domestic stability,” Wang’s ministry said.
Wang told Than Shwe that China was willing to “support Myanmar in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and support Myanmar in its efforts to achieve domestic political reconciliation within the constitutional framework, smoothly hold national elections, and restart the process of democratic transformation.”
The two met as Wang visited Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw for talks with the junta leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.
Myanmar's state-controlled Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported that China had offered to help Myanmar organize an election next year but it did not report Than Shwe's request for help in restoring stability.
The Myanmar military, shunned and sanctioned again by Western nations after ousting a government led by Suu Kyi in early 2021, has been able to rely on China for diplomatic, economic and military support.
But China has also maintained links with some of the ethnic minority insurgent forces battling the junta, particularly groups operating along its border in northeastern Myanmar's Shan state and it calls on all sides to resolve differences peacefully.
This year, China brokered two short-lived ceasefires between the junta insurgent forces as battles affected trade and stability along the border. This month, insurgents in Shan state called on China to press the junta to stop attacks on civilians.
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Opposition to ‘foreign interference’
China is one of Myanmar's main foreign investors, in minerals and energy in particular, and some insurgents have promised to protect China's interests. Fighting in central Myanmar's Mandalay region has in recent days come near to oil and natural gas pipelines that run from Myanmar's coast into China.
Wang stressed China's displeasure at renewed fighting along the border, and also his opposition to "interference of foreign forces in Myanmar" and actions that "destroy peace and development," his ministry said.
He did not specify which foreign interference he referred to but analysts say China is keen to limit the influence in Myanmar of Western countries like the United States, as well as that of India.
Wang promised technical support and aid for the junta's promised election, which could be held next year, and a census late this year, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported.
"Necessary technological assistance will be provided for Myanmar to conduct the census-taking process," the newspaper reported. "Moreover, essential aid will be given for the election."
He also stressed the need for all parties to be represented in the vote, calling in his talks with Min Aung Hlaing for an “all-inclusive election.”
Political analyst Than Soe Naing told RFA that Than Shwe’s request to China for help might be an indication of how desperate the junta was in the face of major battlefield setbacks in recent weeks.
“He’s asking China to put pressure on the fighting in northern Shan state to maintain the junta leader’s power,” the analyst said.
On Friday, Wang Yi will attend a regional foreign ministers’ meeting in Thailand.
Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.