Kaladan News

Dated: Saturday August 23,2003

China to Promote Bilateral Relations with Burma

Chittagong, August 23: China will promote bilateral relations with Burma to ensure stability and development even as sanctions are leveled against Rangoon by the United States and other nations, state media reported yesterday, according to AFP, Beijing.

In a meeting yesterday with Burma’s Deputy Senior General Maung Aye, the junta’s number-two leader, President Hu Jintao said China would work with Burma to enhance bilateral relations in line with the principle of “ treating neighboring countries as friends and partners,” Xinhua said.

China, one of the few countries to maintain diplomatic ties with Rangoon, has repeatedly refused to apply pressure on its smaller neighbor to release democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Gyi, who was detained May 30 during clashes between her supporters and a junta- backed mob.

Beijin sees friendship with Burma as an important strategic access to the Indian Ocean. ##

To Contact:

E-mail: [email protected]

Mobile: (+880) 11 227 138