Former military dictator Than Shwe told Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Naypyitaw on Wednesday that he hoped China will continue to support Myanmar and maintain domestic stability, according to Xinhua.
Wang Yi separately met junta boss Min Aung Hlaing to discuss border security amid advances by the anti-regime Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, the junta media said.
China is a major ally and arms supplier to the junta but it also maintains ties with the Brotherhood Alliance.
Calling Than Shwe an old friend of the Chinese people, Wang said China firmly opposes external interference and infiltration in Myanmar. He promised China’s continued support in safeguarding Myanmar’s independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity. He also reaffirmed China’s support for junta efforts to hold a general election and restart a democratic transition, according to state-owned Xinhua.
The 90-year-old former dictator thanked Beijing for providing long-term selfless support and its help to Myanmar in all aspects.
Wang’s visit comes after Min Aung Hlaing implicitly alleged that China was behind the anti-regime offensive in northern Shan State. Junta loyalists have begun voicing anti-Chinese sentiments.
Beijing has not invited Min Aung Haling to China since the 2021 coup but Chinese officials maintain communication with previous leaders like Than Shwe and transitional president Thein Sein.
Former Chinese ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai visited Than Shwe in April. Observers believe China assumes that Than Shwe has influence over Min Aung Hlaing who he picked to succeed him as commander-in-chief.
Shunned by the international community, Than Shwe’s regime heavily relied on China which shielded the regime on the international stage and offered cooperation in many areas.
The countries maintained close ties with then top brass Than Shwe, Maung Aye and Khin Nyunt, exchanging visits with former Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Vice-President Hu Jintao.
Mega China-backed projects like the stalled Myitsone Dam and Sino-Myanmar oil and gas pipelines were inked under Than Shwe’s rule. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was then vice-president, signed the Myitsone deal with Myanmar’s generals during a visit in 2009.
