Chinese premier tells Suu Kyi he wants resolution of stalled hydropower project
Li Keqiang says Beijing will continue to push for cooperation with Myanmar on major works
Premier Li Keqiang called for proper settlement of a suspended Chinese-invested hydropower project in Myanmar as Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of the Southeast Asian nation, continued her first trip to Beijing on Thursday.
During his meeting with Suu Kyi, Li said her visit highlighted the importance of Myanmar’s relationship with China, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Beijing wouldcontinue to push for cooperation on major projects, including a China-Myanmar oil pipeline and the Myitsone dam, Li told Suu Kyi, who arrived in Beijing on Wednesday.
Li was referring to an oil pipeline that is already feeding a refinery in southwestern China, and to a US$3.6 billion dam project in the Irrawaddy River basin that was suspended by the formerly military-ruled government in 2011, in the face of strong public opposition over environmental concerns. Suu Kyi was then among the opponents of the project.
Suu Kyi did not mention the dam in remarks to Li made in front of journalists, but said she hoped her visit would “further consolidate and develop” relations.