Xi vows to safeguard Myanmar sovereignty - Taipei Times

‘THROUGH THICK AND THIN’:

Beijing has vocally backed recent elections that excluded Suu Kyi’s party, handing victory to pro-military lawmakers who elected Min Aung Hlaing

AFP, BEIJING

Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) yesterday pledged support for Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty, state media reported, as he met with President Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing.China is Myanmar’s most crucial ally and a rare enduring partner after Min Aung Hlaing’s 2021 coup ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, prompting Western nations to cut ties with the Southeast Asian nation.Beijing has emerged as a key power-broker in the civil war sparked by the coup, and has vocally backed recent polls that excluded Aung San Suu Kyi’s party and returned a walk-over win for pro-military lawmakers — who elected Min Aung Hlaing as president.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, center left and Burmese President Min Aung Hlaing, center right, attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday.