China, Myanmar vow closer ties as Suu Kyi visits Beijing

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 neighboring countries also said in a joint statement that they would strengthen trade and cooperation on issues along the border, where fighting between Myanmar government forces and rebels have occasionally spilled over. There was no mention of progress, however, on a stalled $3.6 billion dam project in northern Myanmar primarily funded by Chinese energy interests, [...]