China’s engagement helps address Rohingya crisis

World
Europe

‍China’s engagement is helpful in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh, Professor Song Qingrui from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations told CGTN's China 24.

“In the past months, the Myanmar government is faced with floods of criticism from the international community. Hence, the government is under huge pressure in dealing with the Rohingya refugee issue,” he said.

His comments come after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Htin Kyaw on Sunday in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw.

On Saturday, Wang met Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali in Dhaka, with talks focusing on economic cooperation and Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Myanmar's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on November 19, 2017. /Xinhua Photo‍

In the forthcoming Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) of Foreign Ministers, set to take place in Myanmar on November 20 and 21, both Asian and European foreign ministers will exchange views on solving the refugee crisis.

Professor Song said that multilateral consultation will ease the pressure on Myanmar and boost regional stability.

“China plays a pivotal role and has great influence in this region,” he said.

“The Chinese government has proposed solving the Rohingya issue through consultation with Bangladesh and Myanmar. This will definitely push an early settlement of the crisis and bring stability to both countries.”