Beijing, Aug 20: For the first time, coming out openly against US-led sanctions on Myanmar for incarcerating pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, China has said it would not agree to the "isolation" of the country. "The current domestic situation in Myanmar is the country's internal affairs, and China will not agree to foreign interference or to sanctions and isolation against Myanmar," state councillor Tang Jiaxuan assured a visiting Myanmarese delegation yesterday.

Tang, formerly Chinese foreign minister, gave the assurance while meeting with Maung Aye, vice-chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of the Union of Myanmar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Myanmar, and the other members of the delegation here. "China believes that the Myanmar government and people are intelligent and capable enough to handle the relevant issues and to push forward the peace progress among the people of Myanmar," Tang was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua news agency.

"As a friendly neighbour, China hopes that Myanmar will enjoy a stable political situation, harmonised relationship between nationalities, progressing economy and continuing improvements in the people's living standards," he said.

Earlier, Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan met Maung and stressed on continuing bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Maung said his China tour is aimed at enhancing the friendly cooperation between the governments and armies of Myanmar and China. Bureau Report