BEIJING — China and Myanmar said Saturday that they have pledged to forge closer ties as “blood brothers,” as Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi got set to wrap up a visit to Beijing, her first diplomatic trip since taking power in March. Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi (L) speaks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not in photo) at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, 19 August 2016. Aung San Suu Kyi is on an official visit and is meeting Chinese officials to boost diplomatic and economic ties. The five-day visit, concluding Sunday, is the second trip to China within 15 months for Suu Kyi, who was imprisoned for more than a decade by Myanmar’s former Beijing-backed military junta. Suu Kyi has indicated that she will seek more balanced relations with China and the United States compared to Myanmar’s previous government, headed by President Thein Sein, who initiated political reforms and built ties with Washington.

Source: Manila Bulletin August 20, 2016 12:11 UTC