China backs Myanmar junta’s census-plus-election plan to end turmoil

Chinese foreign minister urges other countries in the region to support the proposal and push for ‘peaceful reconciliation’

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chairs the ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 7:56pm, 17 Aug 2024

China has come out in support of a plan by Myanmar’s military junta to hold an election next year to resolve a crisis that has plunged the Southeast Asian country into armed conflict.

“We support Myanmar in achieving domestic political reconciliation within the framework of its constitution … and restarting the process of democratic transition through elections,” Wang said in the Thai city of Chiang Mai on Friday.

The foreign minister was in Thailand for a meeting with his counterparts from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) forum, a grouping that also includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.

During the LMC meeting, Wang repeatedly highlighted China’s concerns over crime – including gambling, human trafficking and online scam syndicates – at borders with the countries. The countries agreed to hold a ministerial-level meeting this year to address such non-traditional security threats in the region.

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Myanmar’s military government lost direct control over 86% of its territory after months of fighting

Wang’s trip comes as tensions have escalated in Myanmar between the junta and various opposition groups, particularly along the border with China.