Reuters reported that Gen. Than Shwe arrives in China on Tuesday for a five-day state visit.
Experts said Myanmar has been maneuvering for support as it prepares for its first election in two decades. International observers have denounced the election as a sham as it does not include main opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

China and Myanmar have developed close economic ties and the economic powerhouse is widely expected to support the junta in facing international criticism.

The 10-member-strong ASEAN, which includes Myanmar, has been labeled as reluctant in taking a tough stance against the reclusive country.

Eva K. Sundari, head of Myanmar Caucus at the House of Representatives, said the junta would turn to its Chinese friend on the UN Security Council as it feels increased heat from the international community led by the US.

The US has recently pushed for the establishment of a UN panel to examine crimes against humanity in Myanmar, which has been ravaged by bloody demonstrations on several occasions since the military refused to acknowledge Suu Kyi’s victory in the 1990 elections.

“The military junta will do anything to make sure its elections are recognized and apparently China has its own interests in keeping good relations with Myanmar. Both find the role fits,” she said.

As the election draws near, ASEAN has seen developments with the US next year joining the 16-nation East Asia Summit (EAS).

The US enforces economic sanctions on Myanmar, which has jailed thousands of political activists and dissidents, while China continues to pour investment into the resource-rich country.

Myanmar will see some increase to its leverage as China expands its influence amid its growing weariness with the new US membership in the EAS, according to experts.

Critics have voiced concern that ASEAN may fail in handling the fierce relations between the US and China with Myanmar as the main flash point. Despite the regional grouping’s rising clout, the new EAS might face challenges that not only involve the rivalry of two major powers, but also the different interests of other member states.

Myanmar had long basked in the support of ASEAN when it faced with international criticism, but the country may now look to China.

Thailand-based activist Phil Robertson said ASEAN had apparently turned a blind eye to China’s unquestioning support for Myanmar, with leaders instead focusing on the country’s upcoming elections with unwarranted optimism.

“The ridiculous thing is that ASEAN’s statement makes it sound like the elections will be free and fair — when everyday there is more evidence about restrictive campaign rules and laws, harassment of non-military parties and clear limitations of freedom of expression and the right to campaign,” he said.

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