Suu Kyi kicks off China visit
August 17, 2016 21:50
China on Wednesday rolled out a red carpet welcome to Myanmar's Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi who gently reminded Beijing about reviving its $3.6 billion hydroelectric dam project which was stalled over public
protests for the past five years.
Suu Kyi kicked off a five-day visit to China, the first after her government took over power, during which Beijing has decided to welcome her as Head of Government, in recognition of her status as highest ranking political leader of the country even through her designation is the State Councillor and Foreign Minister.
"As is known to all, State Counsellor is ranked second only to the President among all the posts in the state organs of Myanmar," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a statement.
It was decided after communication between the two sides that Premier Li Keqiang will invite Suu Kyi for the visit andholds talks with her, he said.
She is also expected to meet President Xi Jinping.
Suu Kyi's visit comes roughly one week after Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw decided to form a new commission for reviewing all proposed hydropower projects on the Irrawaddy River, including the Myitsone Dam, which is jointly funded by China and Myanmar, state-run Xinhua news agency said.
It was suspended by former Myanmar military government in 2011 following public protests .
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