of The Peop's Republic of Chna
From Chinese Embassy in Myanmar）
2019/11/10
H.E. Mr Chen Hai, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, gave an interview to the Myanmar correspondent and expounded China's stance on the Rakhine issue. The interview was broadcast on MRTV and MITV. Below is the transcript of his response.
Ambassador Chen said that the Rakhine issue is a complicated issue with specific historical background and realistic roots. China is a friendly neighbour to both Myanmar and Bangladesh. China hopes that Myanmar and Bangladesh can properly resolve the issue through bilateral friendly consultations, striving to improve the livelihood of the people from Myanmar and Bangladesh who live and work in the neighbouring areas of Rakhine State and make this area a bond of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. I hope that the international society can also play a positive role in this regard.
In recent years, the Rakhine issue has once again become prominent, and the Myanmar government has made great efforts for a proper resolution. Myanmar and Bangladesh have reached a bilateral repatriation agreement and are actively promoting the implementation of relevant contents in the agreement. The Myanmar side has made active efforts to launch the repatriation and resettlement of the displaced people. Myanmar has cooperated with international organizations such as the United Nations and ASEAN to promote cooperation projects including "Quick Impact Project" in relevant areas of Rakhine State, which have achieved positive results. Not long ago, at the invitation of the Myanmar government, I went to Rakhine State to inspect preparations made for the repatriation and resettlement of the displaced people and met with those who returned to Myanmar on their own volition. The Chinese side believes that the current conditions are suitable for repatriation and resettlement and the lives of returnees are basically guaranteed. The Chinese side appreciates the preparations made by the Myanmar side.
The Chinese side is committed to promoting the Myanmar and Bangladesh to properly resolve the Rakhine issue through consultations. We propose and advocate three-phased solution involving cessation of violence, return of displaced persons and economic development, which received positive responses from both Myanmar and Bangladesh sides. Since last year, the Chinese side has hosted three informal meetings among China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The three parties conducted in-depth discussions on promoting the resolution of the Rakhine issue, reached important consensus, and created conditions for the launch of repatriation and resettlement. The Chinese side also provided 1,100 sets of assembled house, 20 trucks and some police supplies for local security according to the needs of the Myanmar side. In the international arena, the Chinese side plays its due role according to the merits of the matter and stands up for justice. China's efforts are seen by all, reflecting China's role as a responsible major country.
At present, the conditions for the launch of the repatriation of displaced persons are getting mature. During the recent UN General Assembly, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the representatives of Myanmar and Bangladesh as well as the UN representative again in New York to take in-depth exchange of views on the resolution of the Rakhine issue frankly. The following three consensuses have been reached: First, to start repatriation as soon as possible is the strong political will and important political consensus of the three parties. Both Myanmar and Bangladesh believe that the repatriation should no longer be delayed and should be resolved as soon as possible. Second, the three parties agreed to establish a joint working mechanism among China, Myanmar and Bangladesh to implement the relevant work on repatriation. Third, to solve the Rakhine issue fundamentally through development. China is willing to work with Myanmar and Bangladesh to play its due role in the resettlement of displaced persons in accordance with the wishes of Myanmar and Bangladesh.
The contradiction between growing population and limited production and living materials is an important cause of the Rakhine issue, which should be fundamentally resolved through development. On the current basis, China is willing to donate another 1,000 sets of assembled house to Myanmar and continue to facilitate the repatriation. Chinese enterprises carry out cooperation in the building of major projects such as the Kyauk Phyu Deep-sea Port and the industrial zones, and promote the development of the western line of China-Myanmar Economic Corridor linking the Rakhine State. One of the purposes is to create jobs, increase income, improve people's livelihood, and promote development through cooperation. We believe that with the friendly cooperation between Myanmar and Bangladesh and the assistance from the international community including China, the Rakhine issue can be resolved step by step.
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