Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Yuichi Nitta, Asian Review: Rohingya backlash pushes Suu Kyi toward Beijing
Myanmar leader set to visit China amid swirl of Western condemnation.
YANGON -- Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi will travel to China to discuss the Rohingya refugee crisis amid growing international criticism, signaling to the West that Naypyitaw is tilting toward Beijing in favor of its hands-off approach.
Myanmar's state counselor will take part in meetings beginning Thursday of political party leaders from around the world, hosted by the Chinese Communist Party, her office said Monday. Though no detailed itinerary was released, Suu Kyi will depart Thursday and stay until Saturday, according to a government source familiar with the plans. This will mark her third trip to China since her government formed in March 2016.
The news came soon after Pope Francis, who has expressed sympathy for the plight of the Rohingya, landed in Yangon. In addition to a Tuesday meeting with Suu Kyi, the head of the Roman Catholic Church is also slated to speak with Buddhist leaders -- likely urging greater religious tolerance -- before traveling to Bangladesh on Thursday to meet with Rohingya refugees.
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WNU Editor: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi will be traveling to China this, and since the Chinese really do not care how another country treats its citizens, she will be treated well. Expect some major economic deals to be announced when she is there, as well as a commitment to closer political ties.
