China Prioritizes Ties with Myanmar, Xi Jinping Says
Quick Look
- Chinese President Xi Jinping stated Beijing prioritizes its ties with Myanmar, calling it important in China's neighborhood diplomacy.
- He expressed willingness to strengthen strategic guidance and deepen cooperation using the Burmese term 'pauk-phaw' (kinsfolk).
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Myanmar's regime ousted the elected government in February 2021 and has faced diplomatic isolation. Analysts suggest the regime might escalate actions against resistance forces.
Analysts also say, however, that Myanmar’s regime could feel emboldened to escalate action against resistance forces, revving up its “military approach” to deal with the country’s civil war.
Speaking after a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said Beijing prioritised its ties with Myanmar, which held an “important position” in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy.
“I am willing to strengthen strategic guidance with you, carry forward our pauk-phaw friendship, and deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation,” Xi said, according to footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV.
He was using the Burmese term meaning kinsfolk to describe the long-standing special relationship between China and Myanmar.
Myanmar ousted the former elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and has since been diplomatically isolated by many Western countries and the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Myanmar's regime may escalate military action against resistance forces.
Possible · Short term
Open Questions
- Will China's support embolden Myanmar's regime?
- What specific forms will deepened cooperation take?
