China discusses Myanmar’s internal peace
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Tun Mon Thet (NP News) - Aug 13
The Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Mr. Deng Xijun, arrived in Naypyidaw on 8 August and discussed with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing for heartening Myanmar’s internal peace.
According to the State Administration Council, both sides cordially exchanged views on friendly ties and diplomatic relations between the two countries; and highlighted the peace and stability measures, especially in the border towns.
No matter that varieties of speculations are viral among the Myanmar netizens about the northern Shan State, the neighbouring countries – especially, China and India are believed to have the good-will to encourage Myanmar’s central government and Tatmadaw to get better and stronger since Myanmar sits at the geostrategic location, from which, India’s Act East Policy and China’s exit to the Indian Ocean will be formulated.
Ms. Sun Haiyan, vice-minister of the International Department, Central Committee of CPC, revealed her concerns over the Myanmar crisis when she met with the representatives of four political parties from Myanmar last month in China.
“I’m really concerned about the current situation in Myanmar when I hear your explanations. When we talk about the crisis and the potentiality to lose the territory in northern Myanmar, it is us – China – that will be affected the most by that crisis. And China needs Myanmar to be stable and tranquil with peaceful. Other countries are supplying money, arms, and ammunition to the rebel groups to destroy Myanmar’s peace. China has always been desiring peace for Myanmar and always been trying to get the peace in Myanmar,” Ms. Sun Haiyan reportedly said during in the talk with the four parties.
She also remarks Myanmar’s very long journey to peace is not because of the incapability of the government but because of the conflict of interests of the stakeholders and the armed groups during the talk.
After notorious Operation 1027 with very intense military tension was initiated on 27 October 2023, China is getting involved in the mediating role in resolving its neighbour’s crisis with the frequent visit of Mr. Deng Xijun and sporadic discussions of the Haigeng.
Thenceforth, former President – the icon of reform of Myanmar – U Thein Sein was invited and attended the Grand celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in Beijing where he met with Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping and Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi in late June. In early July, Vice-Senior General Soe Win also attended the Green Development Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Qingdao.
The Communist Party of China invited four political parties from Myanmar last month. They are the Union Solidarity and Development Party, Arakan Front Party, Shan and Ethnics Development Party, and the People’s Party. Dr. Aye Maung remarked “These four parties are the leading ones among 16 parties of the NSPNC (National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee). There are more than ten parties in Myanmar that have good relations with the CPC such as the National Unity Party, Pa-O party, Lisu party, and others. However, they invited our four parties. It can be expected that China is willing to help for our peace, and the elected government after the election.”
U Thein Tun Oo, executive director of the Thayninga Strategic Institute Studies, comments: “Myanmar is situated in the position which can balance India and China. What is more, Myanmar is where India can connect with the ASEAN. In addition, it is the exit to the Indian Ocean for China. Since China and India are rivaling each other, it won’t be okay for India if the armed forces backed by China are getting closer to the Indian border. And, instability of Myanmar will impact negatively to China whereas the United States will get profits from it.”
He continued, “All armed forces in Myanmar have already secured their backing with the respective country. If Myanmar is disintegrated, all those groups will practice warlordism in an unruly manner. It will definitely threaten the regional stability of Southeast Asia and South Asia.”