China Backs Myanmar Military with Technical Aid for Census and Upcoming Election

China has pledged technical support and aid to Myanmar's military regime for conducting a census and subsequent election. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to discuss the plans. The proposed election, criticized as a sham, has been set after Myanmar's recent extension of emergency rule.

China has committed to providing technical support and aid to Myanmar's military-controlled government for executing a national census and subsequent election, state media revealed on Thursday. This move indicates Beijing's support for the junta, which is under siege by an armed rebellion.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Wednesday in Naypyitaw, discussing an 'all-inclusive election,' according to the Global New Light Of Myanmar newspaper. State media reported that China would offer 'necessary technological assistance' and 'essential aid' for the elections, although China's foreign ministry has yet to comment.

Myanmar's military government recently extended emergency rule by six months to prepare census data critical for voter lists, with Min Aung Hlaing stating that elections would be held next year. However, these proposed elections have been condemned as fraudulent by many Western nations, given numerous parties, including the National League for Democracy, have been disbanded for not registering. Additionally, many registered parties are seen as junta proxies.

During Wednesday's discussions, the leaders also reviewed the tense border areas, efforts against online gambling, economic cooperation, and the heightened conflict. Conflict escalated in the China-Myanmar border region last year, resulting in significant losses for the junta. Despite a ceasefire brokered by Beijing in October, fighting resumed in June, culminating in the rebels seizing Lashio in northern Shan state.

Following his visit to Myanmar, Wang Yi is slated to attend a regional foreign ministers' meeting in Thailand on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies.)