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Beijing’s backing of Myanmar junta’s proposal, despite the ongoing violence and the military’s struggles to maintain control, shows its strategic interests in stabilising the region and protecting its infrastructure projects read more
 "China backs Myanmar junta’s election plans despite escalating violence; here's why")
This photograph taken and released on August 14, 2024 by the Myanmar Military Information Team shows Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing (R) meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Naypyidaw. File image/AFP
China has expressed its support for Myanmar’s military junta in its plan to hold fresh elections as part of what it describes as a “democratic transition.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced this backing at a regional meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, reinforcing Beijing’s stance on fostering political reconciliation within the framework of Myanmar’s constitution.
This announcement comes as Myanmar continues to grapple with widespread conflict and political instability following the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in 2021.
Since the coup, Myanmar has been mired in violent unrest, with the military clashing not only with established ethnic armed groups but also with newer pro-democracy forces like the “People’s Defence Forces.”
The junta, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has promised to hold elections, yet it has repeatedly postponed the timeline for these polls as it struggles to suppress the nationwide opposition to its rule.
Concern over junta’s promised election
Earlier this week, Wang Yi met with Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw, where they discussed the prospects for “free and fair multi-party general elections.”
The junta has framed these elections as a step toward restoring democracy, although significant doubts remain about the legitimacy and fairness of any future polls.
The United States and other Western nations have dismissed the junta’s election plans as a “sham,” with concerns that the elections could lead to further bloodshed, given the deep divisions and ongoing conflict within the country.
China’s interests in Myanmar
China’s support for the junta’s election plan is consistent with its broader strategic interests in Myanmar.
As a key ally and arms supplier to the junta, China has maintained a complex relationship with Myanmar, also engaging with ethnic armed groups that have gained significant territory in the country’s northern Shan State.
These groups, including the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), have recently made significant advances against the junta, further complicating the political landscape.
The junta’s inability to maintain control over large swathes of the country has raised concerns in Beijing, particularly as it threatens the stability of the region and the progress of Chinese infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Despite this, China continues to back the junta, emphasising its opposition to “external forces interfering in Myanmar’s internal affairs” and supporting the country’s “independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
The situation in Myanmar remains volatile, with civilians caught in the crossfire of daily bomb blasts, targeted killings, and clashes between military forces and their opponents.
With inputs from agencies
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English (US) ·