CNI News
6 Sept 2022
As China has given the cold shoulder to Myanmar, it is likely that leaders of the State Administration Council travelled to Russia frequently and the country has edged closer to Russia, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an expert on China, told the CNI.
It was also likely that the Tatmadaw was displeased with the warm relations between the National League for Democracy led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, she added.
Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw said, “The NLD led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and China fostered good relations in recent years. The military was displeased with that warm relations. China was also greatly disappointed with the decision of the U Thein Sein government to cancel the Myitsone Project. Since then, the relations between the military and China have soured. When Daw Aung San Suu Kyi developed warm relations with China, the military was displeased. So, when he planned the coup, he discussed the matter with Russia first. During an interview with a Russian newspaper, he said that he would continue to engage in politics and that some powerful countries were helping ethnic armed organizations, referring to China. He may think he needs the backing of a powerful country but relations with China have soured. When he met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, he complained that there were irregularities in the general election. However, China refused to side with him. So, he turned to Russia. Without being invited, he is visiting Russia. When Yang Yi visited Myanmar again, he refused to meet with him in Nay Pyi Taw. So, as the relations with China are tense and he has edged closer to Russia.”
Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing meets President Xi Jinping.
If the SAC chairman can meet with President Putin, it will be a diplomatic victory for him but as the head of state of the host country, President Putin will have to meet with any leader attending the forum.
Dr. Aung Myo told the CNI, “The chairman has gone to Russia because we will receive high-tech and cooperation from Russia, especially in the energy sector. We cannot rely on China in the energy sector. We will have to rely on Russia especially for energy. So, I support the chairman’s visit to Russia. On the other hand, we will have to develop friendship with China because it is a big market with a population of more than one billion.”
Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing in Russia.
The SAC chairman arrived in Russia on 4th September to attend the EEF on 7th September.
Russian President Putin will meet with leaders of Myanmar, Armenia, Mongolia and China, who will attend the EEF, according to the Tass news agency of Russia.
