Than Shwe asks for China's help to restore stability in Myanmar

15 Aug 2024

15 August 2024, Sittwe
DMG Newsroom

Myanmar's former military dictator Than Shwe reportedly asked for China's help to address external interference and restore stability in Myanmar when he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Naypyidaw on Wednesday.

The retired senior general expressed hope that "China will continue to provide support for Myanmar, helping Myanmar guard against external interference and maintain domestic stability," the Chinese state-run media outlet Xinhua reported.

The report did not clarify what kind of support Than Shwe sought.

Some political analysts interpreted Than Shwe's request as a last-resort effort to end the civil war in the country as the ruling junta continues to lose ground to anti-regime forces, and has ceded more than 70 towns across the country to the resistance - including its strategically important Northeastern Command in Shan State, which borders China.

"Though U Than Shwe's request is not clear, it seems like he is asking for weapons," one political analyst speculated. "They need more weapons to fight back against the anti-regime groups. Their weapons can't handle the advanced technologies of the Brotherhood Alliance. So, my understanding is U Than Shwe asked for advanced weapon systems."

He added: "His request can be also interpreted as asking for China's intervention in Myanmar's civil war, particularly to pressure the Brotherhood Alliance. China brokered a ceasefire before. Military leaders apparently hope to get more effective political assistance from China."

Wang said China has always placed the development of China-Myanmar relations at an important position in its neighbourhood diplomacy, according to Xinhua.

China is willing to work with Myanmar to achieve more tangible results in the building of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, Wang was quoted as saying.

Wang also met current junta boss Min Aung Hlaing on Wednesday. Min Aung Hlaing told Wang that "Myanmar attaches great importance to its relations with China, is committed to developing Myanmar-China friendship, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is willing to remain a friendly neighbor that China can always trust," Xinhua reported.

Min Aung Hlaing "also thanked China for its constructive role in promoting peace talks in northern Myanmar, expressing hope that China will continue supporting Myanmar in safeguarding domestic stability and achieving political reconciliation," Xinhua added.

Wang promised China's support for the junta's proposed election, slated for next year, and a planned population census, junta media meanwhile reported.

Wang's visit to Myanmar came on the heels of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army's seizure of the military's Northeastern Command in Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State, earlier this month.