China reaffirms support for a stable Myanmar

China firmly supports Myanmar in staying committed to domestic peace, stability, and economic development, and opposes chaos and wars in the country, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing, in Nay Pyi Taw, the nation's capital.

As a friendly neighbor, China opposes interference in Myanmar's internal affairs by external forces, and rejects any words and deeds that attempt to drive a wedge between China and Myanmar as well as smear and slander China, Wang said.

China firmly supports Myanmar in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity, and in promoting the new five-point road map within its constitutional framework to achieve political reconciliation and resume the democratic transition process at an early date, he said.

Noting China's friendly policy toward Myanmar has always been oriented toward all the people of Myanmar, Wang said China respects Myanmar's political tradition and the development path chosen by Myanmar based on its national conditions.

China is willing to deepen cooperation with Myanmar in various fields and help the country improve its people's well-being, Wang said.

He also expressed hope that Myanmar can effectively safeguard the security of Chinese workers and projects on its soil, maintain peace and stability along the border, and step up joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes to create a safe environment for exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

Min Aung Hlaing thanked China for its constructive role in promoting peace talks in northern Myanmar and expressed hope China will continue to support Myanmar in safeguarding domestic stability and achieving political reconciliation.

Myanmar attaches great importance to relations with China and firmly adheres to the one-China principle, he said, adding that the country looks forward to working with China to strengthen cooperation in areas including the economy and trade, to deliver benefits to the two peoples.

He also expressed willingness to cooperate with China to jointly combat transnational crimes, such as online gambling and internet fraud, and vowed that Myanmar would never allow any act that harms China's security and interests.

During the visit, Wang also held talks with Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe and met former chairman of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council Than Shwe.