China today called on Western countries to lift all sanctions against Burma following the elections in this country, Beijing hopes that the end of sanctions will help to promote reconciliation and stability.
“China has noted that some Western countries had expressed their willingness to partially lift sanctions against Burma,” said the spokesman of Foreign Ministry, Hong Lei, during a regular briefing. “We welcome these announcements on partial lifting of sanctions,” said Hong Lei. “China calls on all parties concerned to fully lift the sanctions against Burma,” he said.
Being the main foreign support to the Burmese regime, China is the largest foreign investor in Burma where it purchases resources including oil and natural gas while enjoying unrivaled access to the Burmese market which has been flooded with Chinese products.
The by-election on Sunday allowed the National League for Democracy (NLD) of Aung San Suu Kyi to become the leading opposition force in parliament in Burma.