Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has pledged Beijing’s firm support for Myanmar’s national sovereignty and security during a meeting with President Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw. The meeting took place as part of Wang’s tour of Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar this week, aimed at strengthening regional ties and presenting China as a stable alternative to the United States amid existing regional risks.

According to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry released on Saturday night, Wang said Beijing would help Myanmar develop a path suited to its own conditions and supported by its people. He emphasized that both sides should use the first year of Myanmar’s new government to advance traditional friendship and open new opportunities in bilateral relations.

Wang also stated that China is ready to assist Myanmar in eradicating online gambling and telecommunications fraud, which have become major issues in recent years. Analysts cited in the report noted that China was the main supporter of the junta-backed election that brought Min Aung Hlaing to the presidency.