Myanmar military Rumors that a senior Myanmar general has arrested the leader of the military junta were debunked on Wednesday. The new coup is nothing more than “propaganda” by “traitors,” news of which spread ahead of China’s foreign minister’s visit to Myanmar this week.
On Tuesday, several posts went viral on social media. It was alleged that senior Myanmar generals had arrested Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw. Efforts to change the leadership of the military government in Myanmar
A statement from Myanmar's military government said the claim was “propaganda… aimed at destroying the country's security and stability,” and accused those who spread such news of being “traitors.”
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has faced criticism from military supporters in recent weeks. During that period, the military has lost control of its territory to ethnic armed groups and rebel groups. After the military staged a coup and seized power from Myanmar’s civilian government in 2021.
Rumors of a coup have been circulating. It comes as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Myanmar on Wednesday. He will hold talks with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing amid China’s concerns about the volatile situation in Myanmar. In particular, the loss of military bases to rebel forces in the northern part of Myanmar bordering China.
Last week, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing accused foreign governments of supplying weapons and aid to opposition groups. Although the country was not named, it is understood he was referring to China, which has good relations with ethnic forces operating along the Sino-Myanmar border.
Myanmar's state media (MRTV) reported that Minister Wang told Senior General Min Aung Hlaing that China will work earnestly to build peace and stability in Myanmar. It will help deal with attacks by different ethnic groups in Shan State, including negotiations on bilateral relations. It will also crack down on cybercrimes and various illegal activities in Myanmar.
Chinese state media reported that Minister Wang said that China opposes the use of force to interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs. We are willing to express our hope that the Myanmar military government will also help protect Chinese citizens and Chinese projects in Myanmar.
Minister Wang is the latest high-ranking Chinese official to meet with Myanmar’s military government. Previously, former Foreign Minister Chen Kang held talks with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in May last year.
However, a senior Myanmar military official revealed that Minister Wang will not meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, who was arrested by the military after the 2021 coup.
China is a key ally and arms supplier to Myanmar’s military government. But many analysts agree that China also maintains ties with ethnic minority armed groups in Myanmar that control territory along the China-Myanmar border.
- Source: AFP
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