Chinese foreign minister hails Myanmar 'friendship' on visit

China's foreign minister met with Myanmar's junta leader in Naypyidaw to discuss the crisis in the Southeast Asian country and strengthening bilateral ties, Myanmar state television MRTV announced on Tuesday.

Qin Gang said after a meeting with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing that his visit "not only indicates the friendship of the two countries but also China's stance on Myanmar on the world stage", MRTV said.

Myanmar has been in political and economic turmoil since the military in 2021 overthrew Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and led deadly attacks on pro-democracy opponents. Most of the global community, especially Western powers, has increasingly shunned the junta, but China and Russia remain firm allies of the military regime.

Qin discussed Myanmar's stability and development with the general, MRTV said.

"They exchanged opinions on the political situation in Myanmar and actions for stability and development, increasing border trade, and cooperation on energy, including investments," the broadcaster said.

Qin is visiting Myanmar and India from May 2 to 5, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement earlier on Tuesday, adding that in India he will attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation grouping.