Called Involved In The Military Coup Of Myanmar, China: It Really Doesn't Make Sense

A protester gives a three finger greeting while following a protest in front of the Chinese embassy, denouncing the military coup in Myanmar (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - China's Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai dismissed rumors circulating on social media about his country's involvement in Myanmar's military coup by calling it "utter nonsense".

In an interview with local media posted on the embassy 's Facebook page, Chen said that China maintains "good relations" with both the military and the former ruling civilian government.

He added that the current political turmoil in Myanmar is "not at all what China wants to see."

Several protests against the coup that drew hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets in recent days have taken place outside the Chinese Embassy in Yangon, and protesters have accused Beijing of supporting the military junta.

The ambassador called rumors circulating on the internet about a plane carrying Chinese technical personnel and troops to Myanmar nonsense, and said the plane was a regular cargo flight exporting goods such as seafood.

He said China was "not informed in advance of the political changes in Myanmar" and hoped "things are going well in Myanmar, rather than becoming unstable or even falling into chaos."

"Many countries in transition are overcoming difficulties and challenges through their own efforts, and exploring development paths that suit their own circumstances," Chen said.

China has traditionally been viewed with suspicion in neighboring Myanmar, where it has significant economic and strategic interests and has often supported Myanmar's position against Western criticism.

While Western countries strongly condemned the February 1 coup, China was more cautious and emphasized the importance of stability.

China continued to endorse a United Nations Security Council statement calling for the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other detainees, and voiced concern over the state of emergency.