China, Myanmar vow to support each other's core interests

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday, with the two sides vowing to support each other on issues related to their respective core interests.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, pointed out that China-Myanmar ties have withstood the tests of history and maintained a steady momentum of development.

Noting China's policy of friendship with Myanmar extends to all people of Myanmar, Wang reiterated that China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and respects Myanmar's political traditions and the path of development chosen by the Myanmar side in the light of its own national conditions.

"We appreciate the Myanmar side's adherence to the one-China principle and its firm support for the Chinese side on issues concerning China's core interests," he added.

The top Chinese diplomat made it clear that China firmly supports Myanmar in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity.

As a friendly neighbor, China opposes chaos and war in Myanmar, interference in Myanmar's internal affairs by extra-territorial forces, and any attempts to drive a wedge between China and Myanmar and smear China, he added.

Wang also told the Myanmar leader that China's further comprehensive deepening of reforms and the advancement of Chinese modernization will bring new development opportunities for the world, especially for neighboring countries.

Stressing China is willing to deepen cooperation with Myanmar in various fields, Wang voiced the hope that the Myanmar side will effectively safeguard the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in Myanmar.

He also called for maintaining peace and stability along the China-Myanmar border, and urged joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes, and create a safe environment for exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

Min Aung Hlaing, for his part, said Myanmar attaches great importance to relations with China, is committed to the development of Myanmar-China friendship, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and is willing to always be China's trusted friendly neighbor.

Stressing next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China, he said the two sides can jointly organize celebratory activities to carry forward the traditional friendship and promote greater development of relations between the two countries.

He also thanked China for the constructive role it has played in promoting peace talks in northern Myanmar, and looked forward to China's continued support for Myanmar in maintaining domestic stability and realizing political reconciliation.

The Myanmar side is also willing to continue to cooperate with the Chinese side in combating transnational crimes such as Internet gambling and wire fraud and will never allow any behavior that undermines China's security and interests, Min Aung Hlaing added.

(Cover via CFP)