Chinese FM reportedly met Suu Kyi amid concerns over her health
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi reportedly held a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his recent visit to Naypyidaw, amid renewed concerns raised by her son over her health and condition in detention.
According to a report by The Irrawaddy, Wang Yi met Suu Kyi at her designated residence during his two-day visit to Myanmar on April 25.
Two sources cited by the publication said the informal meeting was attended by Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, Myanmar’s police chief, along with officials from the Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs ministries. The report said the meeting was conducted “off the record”, with participants allegedly barred from taking official notes or recordings. The details, however, could not be independently verified.
Following the visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told AFP on April 30 that Suu Kyi remained an “old friend” of China and said Beijing continued to follow developments related to her situation.
The reported meeting comes amid growing concern expressed by Suu Kyi’s son, Kim Aris, who has repeatedly questioned the Myanmar military regime’s claims regarding her well-being and said there has been little independent information about her health during detention.
Wang Yi is the second senior international diplomat known to have met Suu Kyi since the military takeover in 2021, following a reported meeting with former Thai foreign minister Don Pramudwinai in 2023.
The Chinese foreign minister also met Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing during the visit and reiterated Beijing’s support for the military-led administration.
Min Aung Hlaing, who assumed the presidency last month, is scheduled to visit China later this month.
Suu Kyi, detained since the 2021 military coup, was recently shifted from prison to house arrest. Observers see the move as part of the Myanmar military regime’s effort to ease international pressure and re-engage diplomatically amid growing scrutiny over its continued detention of political opponents.