China Remains Lukewarm on Myanmar Bloodshed Crisis

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[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese government, known to have significant influence over the Myanmar military, is still taking a lukewarm stance on the coup. Also, it is maintaining its existing policy as a solution to the US-China conflict, suggesting that the US-China tensions will continue for a considerable period.

According to China's state-run People's Daily and Xinhua News Agency on the 8th, Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister, said at a press conference for domestic and foreign reporters held at the National People's Congress (NPC) the previous day regarding the situation in Myanmar, "Peace and stability are prerequisites for national development," and urged both the military and protesters to exercise restraint, saying, "All parties in Myanmar should remain calm and exercise self-restraint."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Wang said, "Based on the fundamental interests of the Myanmar people, I hope contradictions and differences can be resolved through dialogue and negotiation within the framework of the law, and that the domestic democratization transition process will be promoted," adding, "The urgent task now is to prevent new bloodshed and quickly ease the situation."

He also emphasized that Myanmar is an ASEAN member country and a friendly neighbor of China. He stated, "China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs," and emphasized, "China is communicating with all parties based on Myanmar's sovereignty and the will of its people, playing a constructive role in easing tensions." He continued, "Myanmar and China are brothers connected by mountains and rivers and share a community of destiny," reiterating, "China's friendly policy toward Myanmar is aimed at all Myanmar people."

The United Nations (UN) Security Council prepared a statement condemning the Myanmar military, but China and Russia showed a lukewarm attitude, so the statement did not directly condemn the military coup.

Wang also repeated China's existing position on the US-China conflict. He warned that the United States must respect the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and that China will not tolerate infringements on its core interests. This statement reflects the position the Chinese government has consistently maintained.

He said, "We want to enhance trust with all countries on the premise of respecting national sovereignty to dispel doubts and reveal the truth," but added, "However, groundless accusations, insults, and infringements on core interests are absolutely unacceptable." He again indicated that China has no intention of conceding on issues pointed out by the US and Western camp, such as the Hong Kong democratization movement, Taiwan independence, and human rights in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Wang reiterated that issues such as the reform of Hong Kong's electoral system comply with China's constitution and laws, and that Taiwan has historically been Chinese territory. Regarding the human rights abuses in Xinjiang, he drew a line, calling them baseless rumors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.