China eyes closer military cooperation with Myanmar as it looks to expand sphere of influence near India’s borders
Beijing shrugs off worries about Rohingya crisis to seek closer ties
China has promised to seek closer military cooperation with Myanmar as it seeks to establish greater influence over the country.
The pledge followed a meeting between senior military commanders from the two countries and follows increasing competition between China and India, which both share borders with Myanmar, to strengthen their presence there.
Myanmar has faced intense international criticism for its campaign against the Rohingya Muslims, which has prompted 600,000 refugees to flee their homes, but China has so far been restrained in its comments on the crisis – a stance that could allow Beijing to present itself as a reliable source of support, according to one analyst.
Li Zuocheng, who sits on China’s Central Military Commission – the nerve of the People’s Liberation Army – told Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing that China’s increasing prosperity offered an important opportunity for Myanmar’s development, according to a statement from China’s Defence Ministry.
“In the face of a complex and changeable regional security situation, China is willing to maintain strategic communication between the two countries’ militaries,” Li was cited as saying in the statement issued late on Wednesday.