14-8-2024 (BEIJING) Wang Yi, a prominent member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, is set to visit Myanmar and Thailand from 14 to 17 August. This diplomatic sojourn will see Wang co-chairing the 9th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and participating in an informal discussion with ministers from Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry elaborated on the objectives of Wang’s visit to Myanmar, emphasising the aim to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors, reinforce the close friendship between the two nations, and advance the development of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future.
The spokesperson reiterated China’s stance as a friendly neighbour to Myanmar, underscoring Beijing’s adherence to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. China has expressed its support for Myanmar’s efforts to maintain stability, foster economic growth, and enhance the living standards of its people. Additionally, Beijing has offered constructive assistance to help Myanmar’s various factions address their differences through political dialogue within the framework of the country’s constitution and laws.
Regarding the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), the spokesperson described it as an innovative regional cooperation mechanism involving China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Since its inception in 2016, the LMC has yielded substantial results, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the six participating countries and delivering tangible benefits to their populations.
The spokesperson highlighted that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of leaders from China and the Mekong countries, each of the five Mekong nations has announced plans to build a community with a shared future in partnership with China. This vision encompasses both bilateral relationships with China and multilateral cooperation under the LMC framework.
China’s aspirations for the upcoming LMC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting include a comprehensive review of cooperative progress, an assessment of experiences gained, and the formulation of future plans to advance the LMC initiative. The overarching goal is to transform the Lancang-Mekong region into a model for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, a leader in implementing the Global Development Initiative, a pioneer in realising the Global Security Initiative, and a trailblazer for the Global Civilization Initiative.
On the sidelines of the LMC meeting, at Thailand’s invitation, Wang will participate in an Informal Discussion with the Foreign Ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. This forum will provide an opportunity to exchange views on the regional situation, discuss joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes, and address other pertinent issues.
