Beijing: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
will begin a tour of Bangladesh and Myanmar from tomorrow
during which he is expected to persuade the two countries to
seek a "proper solution" to the raging Rohingya refugee
crisis.
Both Bangladesh and Myanmar are friendly neighbours of
China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told
media briefing here today.
During Wang s visit, he will exchange views on bilateral
relations, issues of regional and common interest, he said.
Asked whether the Rohingya refugees issue will figure in
the talks, Geng said "on the Rakhine state issue, China will
continue to make efforts to promote two sides to dialogue and
seek proper solution to the relevant issue".
An estimated 618,000 Muslim Rohingya have fled mainly
Myanmar since a military crackdown was launched in
Rakhine in August, which the United Nations and watchdogs have
said amounts to ethnic cleansing.
Despite Beijing s opposition, the United Nations General
Assembly s human rights committee endorsed a resolution by an
overwhelming 135 votes to 10 calling on Myanmar's authorities
to end military operations against the Rohingya, the Hong
Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.
Geng earlier said Wang will visit Bangladesh and Myanmar
from November 18 to 19. During his stay there, Wang will hold
talks with his counterparts and meet leaders, he said.
In Myanmar, Wang will take part in the13th foreign
ministers' meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) being
held in Nay Pyi Taw from Novembr 20 to 21.
Besides holding bilateral talks with Myanmar leaders, he
will have bilateral meetings with some heads of delegation to
promote a new-type of Asia-Europe partnership and address
challenges together, Geng said.
China, which provided unwavering support for Myanmar s
military junta over two decades, is behind a USD 7.3 billion
deep-water port in Rakhine, which plays a pivotal role in
Beijing s belt and road trade initiative, the Post report
said.
It also built USD 2.45 billion oil and gas pipeline
project linking the remote coast of Rakhine to southwestern
China s Yunnan province, 770km away.
