BEIJING: Myanmar`s junta leader Than Shwe was to meet Wednesday with President Hu Jintao of China, the regime`s main trading partner and diplomatic ally, two months ahead of polls decried in the West as a sham.
Than Shwe, whose regime has drawn international condemnation for its human rights record and political repression, arrived in China Tuesday for a four-day visit that will also include visits to Shanghai and the country`s south.
Rumours surfaced last month in the isolated state that the 77-year-old junta chief -- in power since 1992 -- had retired as part of a major military reshuffle, but his trip to China showed he was still leading the army.
While the West has slapped Myanmar with sanctions and criticised plans for its first election in 20 years in November, China is the junta`s main trading partner and a top investor in its sizeable natural resources.
On Tuesday, Beijing praised Myanmar as a "friendly neighbour" and reminded the international community not to meddle in the election, which has been dismissed by activists and the West as a charade to solidify the junta`s power.
"China and Myanmar are friendly neighbours and this year marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties," foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters.
She said China hopes "the international community can provide constructive help" for the polls and "refrain from any negative impact on the domestic political process of Myanmar and on regional peace and stability".
Jiang called the election an "important step in proceeding with democracy".
Than Shwe was to meet Hu at 5:00 pm (0900 GMT) at the Great Hall of the People. The junta leader was to meet Premier Wen Jiabao and other senior Chinese leaders Thursday before heading to Shanghai to visit the World Expo.
The Myanmar strongman was also to visit the southern boomtown of Shenzhen on the border with Hong Kong before heading home on Saturday.
Neither Chinese nor Myanmar officials have provided any details about the agenda for Than Shwe`s meetings in China. Beijing had said earlier they would discuss bilateral relations and their respective "domestic developments".
China has long helped to keep Myanmar afloat through trade ties, arms sales, and by shielding it from UN sanctions over rights abuses as a veto-wielding member of the Security Council.
In return, China is assured of a stable neighbour and access to raw materials such as teak and gems from Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962.
Ties frayed last year when fighting between junta forces and rebel ethnic armies drove tens of thousands of refugees over the border into China, which issued a rare admonishment to Myanmar.
But in November, China`s top oil producer began construction of a pipeline across Myanmar.
And last week two Chinese warships made a rare visit to Myanmar, which Beijing`s state press said was aimed at promoting ties between the allies` armed forces.
A senior Chinese army official on Tuesday emphasised the "great importance" of bilateral military ties, according to Xinhua news agency.
Human Rights Watch has urged China to press Myanmar on the elections issue, saying Beijing`s policy towards the junta is "inconsistent with its claims to be a responsible power".
BDST: 10:35 HRS, September 08 2010
