Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to make efforts to realize a transfer to civilian rule at an early date and to achieve peace in the Southeast Asian country.
On Wednesday, Wang held talks with Myanmar’s military chief in the capital Naypyitaw.
China’s foreign ministry says Wang noted that China hopes Myanmar will soon realize political reconciliation at an early date, resume a process for transfer to civilian rule and find a path to achieve long-term stability.
The remarks were apparently made with continued fighting between the military and ethnic minority armed forces and other parties in mind.
Myanmar’s military expressed its intention to hold a general election next year.
Wang’s remarks appear to persuade the top general to definitely hold the election by calling for efforts toward realizing a transfer to civilian rule and achieving peace.
Myanmar’s state-run media reported that the military chief said he will enhance friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. It also quoted him as saying that preparations are underway to hold a democratic general election for the nation’s stability.
In Myanmar, fighting between the military and organizations including guerrillas of ethnic minority groups has been intensifying since October last year mainly in areas bordering China.
China has called for a ceasefire by mediating peace talks, but there is no prospect in sight for an end to the ongoing conflict.