Image Credit: Global Times
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will embark on a diplomatic tour to Myanmar and Thailand from August 14 to 17, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance regional initiatives. As a senior member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the country’s Foreign Minister, Wang’s visit underscores China’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with its Southeast Asian neighbors.
The visit will commence in Myanmar, where Wang is expected to focus on enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors. According to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, the trip seeks to reinforce the longstanding friendship between China and Myanmar, with a vision of building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future. China, adhering to its principle of non-interference, supports Myanmar’s efforts to maintain stability, stimulate economic growth, and improve living standards. Additionally, China is poised to assist in facilitating political dialogue within Myanmar to address internal differences under the framework of the country’s constitution and laws.
Following his visit to Myanmar, Wang will travel to Thailand to co-chair the ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and participate in an Informal Discussion Between the Foreign Ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. The LMC, a regional cooperation mechanism launched in 2016, includes China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The spokesperson emphasized that the LMC has yielded substantial economic and social benefits for its member states and strengthened the region’s development.
China hopes to collaborate with Mekong countries at the upcoming meeting to assess past achievements, strategize future initiatives, and solidify the Lancang-Mekong region as a model for Belt and Road cooperation. Wang’s participation in the Informal Discussion will also address regional issues, including cross-border crime prevention.