By K J M VarmaBeijing, Nov 17 (PTI) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yiwill begin a tour of Bangladesh and Myanmar from tomorrowduring which he is expected to persuade the two countries toseek a "proper solution" to the raging Rohingya refugeecrisis.
Both Bangladesh and Myanmar are friendly neighbours ofChina, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang toldmedia briefing here today.
During WangÂ’s visit, he will exchange views on bilateralrelations, issues of regional and common interest, he said.
Asked whether the Rohingya refugees issue will figure inthe talks, Geng said "on the Rakhine state issue, China willcontinue to make efforts to promote two sides to dialogue andseek proper solution to the relevant issue".
An estimated 618,000 Muslim Rohingya have fled mainlyMyanmar since a military crackdown was launched inRakhine in August, which the United Nations and watchdogs havesaid amounts to ethnic cleansing.
Despite BeijingÂ’s opposition, the United Nations GeneralAssemblyÂ’s human rights committee endorsed a resolution by anoverwhelming 135 votes to 10 calling on Myanmar's authoritiesto end military operations against the Rohingya, the HongKong-based South China Morning Post reported.
Geng earlier said Wang will visit Bangladesh and Myanmarfrom November 18 to 19. During his stay there, Wang will holdtalks with his counterparts and meet leaders, he said.
In Myanmar, Wang will take part in the13th foreignministers' meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) beingheld in Nay Pyi Taw from Novembr 20 to 21.
Besides holding bilateral talks with Myanmar leaders, hewill have bilateral meetings with some heads of delegation topromote a new-type of Asia-Europe partnership and addresschallenges together, Geng said.
China, which provided unwavering support for MyanmarÂ’smilitary junta over two decades, is behind a USD 7.3 billiondeep-water port in Rakhine, which plays a pivotal role inBeijingÂ’s belt and road trade initiative, the Post reportsaid.
It also built USD 2.45 billion oil and gas pipelineproject linking the remote coast of Rakhine to southwesternChinaÂ’s Yunnan province, 770km away. PTI KJVNSA.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.