Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to visit China for the first time
Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies) - For the first time since she was released from house arrest in November 2010, Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will visit China next month.
After travelling to the United States, the European Union (including Italy), Japan and South Korea, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and National League for Democracy (NLD) leader will also go to Beijing.
The NLD has confirmed the visit, but "We are not aware of specific schedules," said Nyan Win, a senior official in the NLD.
China seems keen to develop ties with the Burmese opposition to counter the perception that it is a staunch ally of the old military junta and the current Myanmar government, which the former set up.
"I don't have the exact information about Madame Aung San Suu Kyi's visit to China," said China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.
"We stay in touch and maintain sound communication with all political parties and political bodies of Myanmar, including the National League for Democracy, for the all-round development of China-Myanmar relations," she added.
The fact that reports about the visit were not denied is significant in itself. What is more, Burma experts point out that the visit might pay political dividends to the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who has been accused by some at the home of being too pro-West, and acting as its tool.
Ms Suu Kyi's visit would refute those charges, even though doubts and uncertainties remains on what her trip to Beijing might actually achieve.
For some, the visit is a simple courtesy call; for others, it could boost ties with China as well as the opposition's chances ahead of the vote in 2015.
Years of Western embargo and sanctions have given Beijing a quasi-monopoly in Myanmar's foreign trade with almost 90 per cent.
Thus, notwithstanding who might rule in Myanmar, Beijing seems determined to preserve its strong financial and trading ties with its southern neighbour.
Experts believe that trade relations, economic development and cooperation are likely to dominate direct talks between Myanmar's iconic figure and Chinese Communist leaders, with certain issues like political reform and elections in 2015 off-limits.
In 2010, Myanmar held its first general elections in 20 years. However, the NLD boycotted the poll because it deemed the voting rules unfair and anti-democratic.
The elections produced a quasi-civilian government under Thein Sein, a former general now considered a reformer.
Under the existing constitution, 25 per cent of seats in Parliament are reserved for military appointees who exercise a de facto veto on policy and constitutional reform.
During by-elections in 2012, the NLD ran all its top leaders, including the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who won a parliamentary seat with a huge majority.
However, despite her great popularity, she cannot run for president. Two clauses in the constitution were designed with her mind and prevent her from seeking the highest office in the land. As might be expected, this is a source of a major political controversy in the country.
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17/03/2021 13:08
25/10/2007
