Jiang's visit boost to Yangon<\/p>\n
Associated Press, Yangon<\/p>\n
China and Myanmar signed six pacts on economy and border
\nsecurity on Wednesday at the start of Chinese President Jiang
\nZemin's landmark visit, seen as a major boost to the military
\nstate's ruling junta.<\/p>\n
Myanmar's top three generals including leader Gen. Than Shwe
\nand hundreds of flag-waving children greeted Jiang and his more
\nthan 100-strong entourage at Yangon airport. He disembarked a
\nspecial Air China flight from Beijing to a 21-gun salute.<\/p>\n
Jiang and Than Shwe later held talks at the Parliament
\nbuilding in Yangon, officials said. Details were not disclosed.<\/p>\n
Following the talks, representatives of the two countries
\nsigned six bilateral agreements including economic and technical
\ncooperation, promotion and protection of investments, cooperation
\nin security at border areas and cooperation in fisheries and
\nenvironment, officials said.<\/p>\n
Myanmar considers China as one of its closest allies, having
\ndepended on it heavily for trade, credit and weapons over the
\npast decade.<\/p>\n
According to Chinese statistics, bilateral trade totals US$600
\nmillion annually, making China Myanmar's third largest trading
\npartner after Singapore and Thailand - though that official
\nfigure probably underestimates trade that goes unreported.<\/p>\n
Jiang's visit signals China's intent to reassert its economic
\nand strategic interests in Myanmar. Impoverished Myanmar offers
\nChina a potential path to the Indian Ocean, and could serve as a
\nlandbridge for trade between South and Southeast Asia.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jiangs-visit-boost-to-yangon-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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