Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jia Qinglin (C) signs the guest book at the Shwedagon pagoda during his visit to Myanmar, in Yangon on April 4, 2011. Qinglin is on an official visit to Myanmar a few days after Myanmar's military made way for a nominally civilian government after almost half a century in power. -- PHOTO: AFP
YANGON (Myanmar) - A TOP official of China's ruling Communist Party has become the first high-ranking foreign visitor to meet with Myanmar's new president since a civilian government took office.
The state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported that Jia Qinglin, the Communist Party's fourth-highest ranking official, met with newly sworn-in President Thein Sein and pledged cooperation for political and economic development. Jia arrived Saturday for a four-day visit.
China has been the main ally of Myanmar, which is shunned by the West for its poor record on human rights and democracy.
Critics claim that last November's general election was unfair and meant to perpetuate military rule behind a democratic facade.
The new, nominally civilian government was sworn in March 30. -- AP
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