China, Myanmar vow closer ties after Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit

Myanmar’s State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, pose for the media before their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016. AP/PTI

China and Myanmar have pledged to forge closer ties as “blood brothers” following Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit to Beijing, her first diplomatic trip since taking power in March.

The neighboring countries said in a joint statement they would strengthen trade and cooperation on issues along the border, where fighting between Myanmar government forces and rebels have occasionally spilled over. There was no mention of progress, however, on a stalled $3.6 billion dam project in northern Myanmar primarily funded by Chinese energy interests, which was a key concern during the visit.

China has been on a diplomatic charm offensive in the past year toward its fast-growing neighbor, while Myanmar under Suu Kyi has shown willingness to embrace its top trading partner and major investor.