Joint Press Release Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

1. At the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, State Counselor San Suu Kyi of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar paid an official visit to China from August 17 to 21, 2016. During the visit, President Xi Jinping met with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Premier Li Keqiang held talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Dejiang met with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The two sides exchanged in-depth views and reached important consensus on inheriting China-Myanmar traditional friendship and promoting bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.

2. The two sides spoke highly of China-Myanmar "Paukphaw" friendship. As co-initiators of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, China and Myanmar always adhere to the above spirit and promote bilateral relations for substantial progress on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit. Both sides said that they will continue to pursue a good-neighborly and friendly policy, give priority to the development of bilateral relations, improve the well-being of the two peoples as well as advance the stable development of the two countries. Both sides reaffirmed that they will focus on the interests of the two peoples and push forward China-Myanmar comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership for continuous and new progress from a strategic height and a long-term perspective.

3. Both sides agreed to maintain the tradition of close high-level contact, enhance strategic communication, deepen experience exchange in state governance and administration and further intensify friendly exchanges and cooperation at all levels, especially between political parties and the people.

4. Both sides agreed to strengthen law-based management in border areas, and enhance economic and trade cooperation as well as all kinds of friendly exchanges so as to improve the livelihood of people in the border regions.

5. Both sides agreed to further intensify coordination in multilateral occasions such as the United Nations and maintain close collaboration in global issues concerning the demands and challenges of developing countries in such areas as climate change, natural disasters and epidemic prevention and control.

6. Myanmar welcomes China's "Belt and Road" initiative and the cooperation initiative on the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor. The two sides will continue to make good use of such intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms as the Joint Commission on Economy and Trade, Commission on Agricultural Cooperation and Commission on Electric Power Cooperation, and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas including economy and trade, agriculture, water conservancy, electric power, production capacity and finance.

7. China appreciates the administration concepts, polices and measures of the Myanmar government in advancing national reconciliation and improving people's livelihood, supports Myanmar's political transition, backs the country to follow a comprehensive and inclusive development path in line with its national conditions, and supports its efforts to ensure national reconciliation and peace, boost economic development and maintain social harmony. China is willing to continue to provide assistance for Myanmar's economic and social development within its capacity and is ready to take specific measures to support Myanmar's efforts in livelihood improvement. Grateful for China's support in its economic and social development, Myanmar is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese government, further enhance trade and investment, create employment opportunities and reduce poverty rate, so as to help Myanmar achieve fair and just development. Myanmar reiterated that it sticks to the One-China policy, understands and supports China's stance on the Taiwan issue, Tibet-related issues and Xinjiang-related issues.

8. Both sides agreed to further bolster cooperation to ensure peace and stability in border areas. China supports Myanmar to realize domestic peace and national reconciliation through political dialogues. Myanmar appreciates China's positive and constructive role and its efforts in supporting Myanmar's course of national reconciliation and peace.

9. State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi conveyed the sincere invitation of President U Htin Kyaw to President Xi Jinping and invited President Xi Jinping to pay a state visit to Myanmar. President Xi Jinping expressed his gratitude.

10. State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her sincere thanks to Premier Li Keqiang and the Chinese government for the warm hospitality and high-level reception she and the delegation received during the visit, and invited Premier Li Keqiang to visit Myanmar as soon as possible at the convenience of both sides. Premier Li Keqiang expressed his gratitude.