New diplomatic missions signal Chinese support for Myanmar amid Rohingya crisis
Symbolic move to set up presence in capital shunned by most other foreign diplomats highlights Beijing’s desire to strengthen ties
Myanmar’s purpose-built capital Naypyidaw is known for its vast scale and emptiness, but China is using it to showcase its presence and boost ties with the Southeast Asian nation as it faces a wave of international criticism over the plight of the Muslim Rohingya.
China established its first diplomatic liaison office last week in the city, which is still struggling to attract foreign diplomatic missions even though it replaced Yangon – where most foreign embassies are still located – as the capital in 2006.
The setting up of the Chinese diplomatic liaison office came as Beijing offered its support to Myanmar’s handling of the Rohingya conflict in Rakhine state.
Other regional rivals, including India, are also seeking closer ties with Myanmar, which offers opportunities to invest in infrastructure and economic projects.
In the opening speech last Friday, Hong Liang, the Chinese ambassador to Myanmar, said that China “highly valued relations with Myanmar”.
He added that the newly established office was expected to push forward preparations for moving its embassy while “setting as an example” to other foreign countries, according to a statement on the embassy’s website.