Chinese FM to visit Bangladesh, Myanmar amid Rohingya crisis

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will begin a tour of Bangladesh and Myanmar from tomorrow during which he is expected to persuade the two countries to seek a "proper solution" to the raging Rohingya refugee crisis.
Both Bangladesh and Myanmar are friendly neighbours of China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told media briefing here today.
During Wangs visit, he will exchange views on bilateral relations, issues of regional and common interest, he said.
Asked whether the Rohingya refugees issue will figure in the talks, Geng said "on the Rakhine state issue, China will continue to make efforts to promote two sides to dialogue and seek proper solution to the relevant issue".

An estimated 618,000 Muslim Rohingya have fled mainly Myanmar since a military crackdown was launched in Rakhine in August, which the United Nations and watchdogs have said amounts to ethnic cleansing.
Despite Beijings opposition, the United Nations General Assemblys human rights committee endorsed a resolution by an overwhelming 135 votes to 10 calling on Myanmar's authorities to end military operations against the Rohingya, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

Geng earlier said Wang will visit Bangladesh and Myanmar from November 18 to 19. During his stay there, Wang will hold talks with his counterparts and meet leaders, he said.

In Myanmar, Wang will take part in the13th foreign ministers' meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) being held in Nay Pyi Taw from Novembr 20 to 21.
Besides holding bilateral talks with Myanmar leaders, he will have bilateral meetings with some heads of delegation to promote a new-type of Asia-Europe partnership and address challenges together, Geng said.
China, which provided unwavering support for Myanmars military junta over two decades, is behind a USD 7.3 billion deep-water port in Rakhine, which plays a pivotal role in Beijings belt and road trade initiative, the Post report said.
It also built USD 2.45 billion oil and gas pipeline project linking the remote coast of Rakhine to southwestern Chinas Yunnan province, 770km away.