Myanmar’s democracy transition won’t change China friendship: President

Published on Sunday, 23 September 2012 23:37

President U Thein Sein and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping holding a meeting in Nanning (Photo - Xinhua)

Myanmar’s transition to democracy will not change the country’s traditional friendship with China, Myanmar President U Thein Sein told Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, Reuters and Xinhua news agencies reported.

President U Thein Sein and the Chinese vice president met in Nanning on Friday.

The reports quoted the president as saying Myanmar is at present in a transitional phase, but it pays great attention to developing relations with China, and its policy of seeing China as a true friend has not changed.

China has for a long time provided sincere support and help, and stood at Myanmar’s side at the most difficult of times. Myanmar’s people will never forget this, the president added.

China had stood by Myanmar during the rule of the previous military government, gaining an upper hand over other countries in Myanmar’s economic sector. 

Myanmar has improved its relationships with the US and Europe as a result of its rapid reforms since the present civilian government came to power. Some of these countries have eased or suspended their sanctions or have been even doing business in Myanmar.

International media have described Myanmar’s improved relations with Western countries as cause for “growing concern” for China.

President U Thein Sein visited China from September 18-22 to attend the 9th China-Asean Expo (Nanning) and the China-Asean Investment Summit.  

It is the president’s second trip to China since he took office in March 2011. The first visit was in May last year.

He is also scheduled to go to the United States in the last week of this month to attend the 67th UN General Assembly.