China Tightens Ties with Myanmar Under New Government

JAKARTA - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised to improve relations with Myanmar, which formed a new government under the former military leader, amid internal ethnic tensions.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Myanmar Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe in Beijing on Friday, June 5, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry press release.

"China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with Myanmar, increase mutual political trust, deepen strategic cooperation, promote more practical results in building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, and help Myanmar accelerate its development and revitalization," Wang said.

Although Wang said Beijing did not interfere in other countries' internal affairs, he called for cooperation in combating cross-border crimes including online gambling and telecommunications fraud, to maintain peace in the border areas between the two countries.

Tin was appointed as Myanmar's foreign minister after the former head of the military junta, Min Aung Hlaing, was elected as Myanmar's 11th President in April.

Min has ruled Myanmar directly since 2021 when the military ousted the country's civilian government.

Wang visited Min immediately after his election.

Myanmar is embroiled in internal ethnic conflict, including along its border with China.