China, Myanmar vow closer ties

China and Myanmar today vowed to forge closer ties as "blood brothers", as Myanmar's iconic leader Aung San Suu Kyi wrapped up her visit here aimed at balancing ties with the giant neighbour to ensure success of peace process with rebel outfits.
A joint statement issued at the end of her visit here said both the countries would strengthen trade and enhance cooperation on issues along the border, the scene of sporadic fighting between the Myanmar military and rebel groups.
The joint statement made no mention of the China funded USD 3.6 billion dam project in northern Myanmar which was stalled since 2011 due to protests from local people.

During his meeting with Suu Kyi yesterday Chinese President Xi pledged that China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting Myanmar's peace process and work with Naypyidaw to safeguard peace and stability in their border areas, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
On her part, the Myanmar's leader who was kept under house arrest for over one and half decades under the Beijing-backed military regime said "we do believe that as a good neighbour China will do everything possible to promote our peace process."
"China, as a neighbour which shares a very important border along which there are many ethnic armed groups, is important in its goodwill," she said.

While seeking China's help, Suu Kyiduring her talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang August 18 hinted at addressing China's concerns over the dam.

Her visit came ahead of Myanmar's long-planned conference with armed ethnic groups later this month.
China-Myanmar share long volatile borders and Beijing has deployed military at the border last year after five people were killed several others wounded in firing from a Myanmar jet reportedly while pursuing Kokoang rebels rebels.
She said that peace and unity among different groups of people is what Myanmar needs most.
"Without peace, there can be no sustained development," Suu Kyi said.

Ethnic armed groups have existed in Myanmar since the country gained independence in January 1948.
The Myanmar government started ceasefire talks with several ethnic armed groups from November 2013, and a nationwide ceasefire accord between the Myanmar government and eight ethnic armed groups was finally signed last year.
The Myanmar government formed an 11-member National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) on July 11 this year, led by Aung San Suu Kyi.