Aung San Suu Kyi's historic visit to China

When Aung San Suu Kyi traveled to China last week, she obviously had several things in mind to discuss with the hosts. She is the one who probably knows better than anyone else in Myanmar that the future of the country depends on the nature of ties with their giant neighbor. A peaceful and cooperative relationship with China can easily transform Myanmar's politics and economy in a short span of time.

By the time she completed the visit, it was clear that she was successful in winning China's backing on the most contentious issue of ending over six decades of ethnic militancy through dialogue resolution. At least three of the most stubborn rebel outfits signed a letter to join the peace conference scheduled for August 31.

China's trip was Suu Kyi's first major diplomatic foray since her National League for Democracy (NLD) came to power in April after winning the election in November. Historically, China enjoyed close ties with Myanmar, as its military junta had been dependent to a large extent on Chinese aid and investment due to sanctions imposed by the United States.

But Myanmar needed to reset the ties with China after the transformation from military rule to popular democracy, which was made possible mainly due to the pressure and persuasion by the United States. Suu Kyi is considered very close to the U.S. and with this baggage she had daunting task ahead to convince China to continue economic and political support.

Now it appears that she was successful and found attentive ears, sympathetic hearts and receptive minds in China. It was proved by the red carpet welcome and the extensive engagements she had in China, which included meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and other high ranking officials.

President Xi in the meeting with Suu Kyi made it clear that China was ready to work with the new government for a long term cooperative relationship. China is also willing to invest in key projects of development. Xi said in the meeting that it was for Myanmar to decide the kind of development path it wants to tread. It is the loudest message by China for its neighbors, eager to adopt different models for development. The assurance of support to strengthen economy and build infrastructure are highly reassuring for Suu Kyi.

The trip was also a test of her diplomatic skills. Waging a political struggle is different from engaging with other countries on issues of national importance.There is no doubt that Suu Kyi is an iconic figure for her people but she can further strengthen her position by having friends in her close neighborhood.

By embracing the new government in Myanmar, China has manifested its policy of noninterference in the domestic affairs of the other countries. It shows that China believes that it is prerogative of every country to decide about the political system. China's decision to work with the NLD government goes long before it came to power. It was clear when Suu Kyi visited China last year before her political victory in Myanmar and was received at the highest level including a meeting with President Xi.

As de facto ruler of the country, Suu Kyi needs to sort out several issues with China. On the top is the 3.6 billion dollar Myitsone dam in the north which China was to build. The previous government suspended it in 2011 after widespread criticism by environmentalists. Suu Kyi has already set up a committee to probe and resolve it. The talks in China would help to fix it if the two agree on the formula of 'win-win cooperation'.

As mentioned already, Myanmar has been facing ethnic militancy. Suu Kyi has said that peace is her priority. China can play a role due to its influence on some of the ethnic groups. It is important to resolve the conflict as Myanmar's support is needed for the 'Belt ad Road' initiative. A peaceful Myanmar will help to control illegal trade between the two countries and also provide a safe route to the Indian Ocean.

After her visit to China, Suu Kyi will pay another important visit to the United States. It would be interesting to watch how she balances her country's policies and safeguards interests while dealing with the two top economies in the world.

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

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