China wants to help ASEAN achieve reconciliation in Myanmar

Jakarta (ANTARA) - China’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Wang Qing, stated that China wishes to work with ASEAN to realise reconciliation and peace in Myanmar, which has been plagued by civil war following the 2021 military coup.

“The completion of the general election in Myanmar provides a new opportunity for us, including China and ASEAN, to take steps to encourage Myanmar’s authorities to achieve reconciliation there,” said Ambassador Wang during a meeting and dialogue with media and think tanks in Jakarta on Thursday.

Myanmar recently concluded a general election organised by the military junta in January, with the resulting parliament convening for the first time on 16 March.

According to Wang, communication is the only way to ensure that ASEAN and China can influence Myanmar’s military junta by conveying advice and hopes for peace in the country.

He also highlighted the good faith of ASEAN countries in continuing to recognise Myanmar as a fellow ASEAN member and their commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to end the conflict in the country.

Although acknowledging that countries remain divided on how to respond to the junta’s conduct of the election, the Ambassador said that now is the right time to push Myanmar back towards reconciliation.

“Now is our opportunity to influence and encourage them to achieve reconciliation and to return to the ASEAN family,” he said.

China’s Ambassador to ASEAN explained that in helping to ease the conflict in Myanmar, China will continue to communicate with all relevant parties, urge them to exercise restraint, and promote efforts to achieve peace and stability in Myanmar.

“China will continue these steps, and I think we can work together with ASEAN on this,” Wang added.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, in February, emphasised that the organisation will continue to engage through its diplomatic efforts to address Myanmar’s internal conflict as long as there is no escalation of violence and a ceasefire remains feasible.

He also affirmed that ASEAN will remain involved in addressing the Myanmar conflict in accordance with the framework established by the 5PC, which aims to curb violence, promote inclusive dialogue, and ensure humanitarian assistance, without directly interfering in internal affairs.