China and Myanmar inked dozens of deals on Saturday to speed up infrastructure projects in the Southeast Asian nation, as Beijing seeks to cement its hold over a neighbor increasingly isolated by the West.

But no major new projects were agreed during the two-day visit by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinas-president-xi-jinping-arrives-in-myanmar-seeking-to-push-belt-and-road-project-274887">Xi Jinping</a>, the first of any Chinese leader in 19 years. Analysts said Myanmar was generally cautious of investments by Beijing and was also being careful ahead of elections later this year.

<img alt="Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi attend a signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b936b964-9b73-438b-9dc5-58e9d88424e3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_3.jpg" /> 
[ Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi attend a signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw, Myanmar (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Still, Xi and Myanmar leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/icj-ruling-on-urgent-measures-in-rohingya-case-on-january-23-gambia-274450">Aung San Suu Kyi</a> signed 33 agreements shoring up key projects that are part of the flagship Belt and Road Initiative, China’s vision of new trade routes described as a “21st-century silk road”.

They agreed to hasten implementation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-president-xi-jinping-to-visit-myanmar-today-with-bri-on-agenda-274811">China Myanmar Economic Corridor</a>, a giant infrastructure scheme worth billions of dollars, with agreements on railways linking southwestern China to the Indian Ocean, a deep sea-port in conflict-riven Rakhine state, a special economic zone on the border, and a new city project in the commercial capital of Yangon.

They did not address a controversial $3.6 billion Beijing-backed mega-dam, where work has been stalled since 2011, reflecting the contentiousness of Chinese investment in Myanmar, where many are uncomfortable with the sway Beijing has over its smaller neighbor.

"While a large number of different agreements have been signed, there is no Big Bang here," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-lady-and-the-hague-myanmar-leader-suu-kyi-courts-home-audience-266663">Richard Horsey</a>, a Yangon-based analyst with the International Crisis Group.

"The overall impression is that Myanmar is being cautious about Chinese investment, especially ahead of elections planned later in the year, he said.

"China will be hoping that this is an incremental step towards realizing its mega-infrastructure goals and that further progress can be locked in over the coming months," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;Why China wants a foothold in Myanmar

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At a welcoming ceremony on Friday, Xi hailed a “new era” of relations between the countries.

“We are drawing a future roadmap that will bring to life bilateral relations based on brotherly and sisterly closeness in order to overcome hardships together and provide assistance to each other,” Xi said. He was scheduled to leave later on Saturday.

Suu Kyi called China “a great country playing an important role in the international affairs and the world economy” but urged for economic projects that avoid environmental degradation and benefit locals.

<img alt="Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the bilateral meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a9ad1453-34a0-4bf7-8271-6bda13edfddd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_16.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the bilateral meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Xi also met leaders from political parties in ethnic areas riven with civil conflict where Chinese infrastructure projects are underway.

Sai Kyaw Nyunt, joint-secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, one of the ethnic politicians invited to meet Xi, said it was only a handshake.

“Our country is very small and powerless,” he said, “So they treat us that way.”

<img alt="Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi attends the bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="baae0fdd-850a-466b-ab4b-b54a5486dad3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_13.jpg" /> 
[ Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi attends the bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The two countries have historically had a fraught relationship, but have moved closer since 2017 when Myanmar was internationally condemned for its treatment of minority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/icj-ruling-on-urgent-measures-in-rohingya-case-on-january-23-gambia-274450">Rohingya Muslims</a> in Rakhine state.

More than 730,000 Rohingya were forced to flee western Myanmar after a military crackdown that the United Nations has said was executed with “genocidal intent”. China has defended the country on the global stage and is viewed as the biggest obstacle to the prosecution of its leaders at an international war crimes tribunal.

An article in Chinese state media ahead of the state visit said Myanmar had been “derailed” by its engagement with the West and only China was willing to “pull Myanmar from the sludge”.

“But after some turbulence, Myanmar realized there were double standards in the approach Western countries had taken on human rights issues and began to turn to China for diplomatic and economic help,” the article in the Global Times said.

China and Myanmar inked dozens of deals on Saturday to speed up infrastructure projects in the Southeast Asian nation, as Beijing seeks to cement its hold over a neighbor increasingly isolated by the West.

China and Myanmar inked dozens of deals on Saturday to speed up infrastructure projects in the Southeast Asian nation, as Beijing seeks to cement its hold over a neighbor increasingly isolated by the West. But no major new projects were agreed during the two-day visit by President Xi Jinping, the first of any Chinese leader in 19 years. Analysts said Myanmar was generally cautious of investments by Beijing and was also being careful ahead of elections later this year. [ Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi attend a signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw, Myanmar (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Still, Xi and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi signed 33 agreements shoring up key projects that are part of the flagship Belt and Road Initiative, China’s vision of new trade routes described as a “21st-century silk road”. They agreed to hasten implementation of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor, a giant infrastructure scheme worth billions of dollars, with agreements on railways linking southwestern China to the Indian Ocean, a deep sea-port in conflict-riven Rakhine state, a special economic zone on the border, and a new city project in the commercial capital of Yangon. They did not address a controversial $3.6 billion Beijing-backed mega-dam, where work has been stalled since 2011, reflecting the contentiousness of Chinese investment in Myanmar, where many are uncomfortable with the sway Beijing has over its smaller neighbor. "While a large number of different agreements have been signed, there is no Big Bang here," said Richard Horsey, a Yangon-based analyst with the International Crisis Group. "The overall impression is that Myanmar is being cautious about Chinese investment, especially ahead of elections planned later in the year, he said. "China will be hoping that this is an incremental step towards realizing its mega-infrastructure goals and that further progress can be locked in over the coming months," he said. Watch: Why China wants a foothold in Myanmar × At a welcoming ceremony on Friday, Xi hailed a “new era” of relations between the countries. “We are drawing a future roadmap that will bring to life bilateral relations based on brotherly and sisterly closeness in order to overcome hardships together and provide assistance to each other,” Xi said. He was scheduled to leave later on Saturday. Suu Kyi called China “a great country playing an important role in the international affairs and the world economy” but urged for economic projects that avoid environmental degradation and benefit locals. [ Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the bilateral meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Xi also met leaders from political parties in ethnic areas riven with civil conflict where Chinese infrastructure projects are underway. Sai Kyaw Nyunt, joint-secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, one of the ethnic politicians invited to meet Xi, said it was only a handshake. “Our country is very small and powerless,” he said, “So they treat us that way.” [ Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi attends the bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The two countries have historically had a fraught relationship, but have moved closer since 2017 when Myanmar was internationally condemned for its treatment of minority Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. More than 730,000 Rohingya were forced to flee western Myanmar after a military crackdown that the United Nations has said was executed with “genocidal intent”. China has defended the country on the global stage and is viewed as the biggest obstacle to the prosecution of its leaders at an international war crimes tribunal. An article in Chinese state media ahead of the state visit said Myanmar had been “derailed” by its engagement with the West and only China was willing to “pull Myanmar from the sludge”. “But after some turbulence, Myanmar realized there were double standards in the approach Western countries had taken on human rights issues and began to turn to China for diplomatic and economic help,” the article in the Global Times said.

Myanmar, China ink deals to accelerate Belt and Road project as Xi meets Suu Kyi

Chinese president Xi Jinping is currently visiting Myanmar on a two-day tour.

Earlier today, he got a lavish welcome in Nay-Pyi-Daw, the country's capital.&nbsp;

Xi is visiting to celebrate 70 years of China-Myanmar ties, and to set-up investment in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine.

The state witnessed violence against the Rohingya Muslims a few years ago, triggering one of the biggest crises in South Asia.

Myanmar came into the limelight for human rights abuses against the Muslim minority.

Most Western nations accuse Myanmar's government of tacitly supporting the military in what they say was a genocide.

The military had launched a campaign against the Rohingyas owing to which many of them were killed and raped. More than 900 thousand fled to Bangladesh.

As a result, foreign investment has dried up in the country. After facing global scorn and isolation, Aung San Suu Kyi has turned to China for help. Jinping has obliged by promising to pump billions into Myanmar.

Ahead of President Xi's arrival, a minister from Myanmar said that he would sign agreements to build a special economic zone, as well as a port - along the Bay of Bengal.

Together, both countries are building the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. And it's all happening under the belt and road initiative - a debt trap for developing countries.

<h6><img alt="kiiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8ccd7d2-19cb-44e2-9978-b31738c53d8b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_49.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping, Myanmar President Win Myint and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi attend a cermony marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, January 17, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

India should be worried about China's moves. It could give Beijing a backdoor entry into the Indian Ocean, and thereby control over critical shopping routes in India's neighbourhood.&nbsp;

The crown jewel of China's deals with Myanmar is the Kyau-Kphyu special economic zone.

This is a 1.5 billion dollar deal, that involves a highway and oil and gas pipelines, infrastructure that will allow Beijing to tap into the rich energy reserves of Myanmar.

This Special Economic Zone will connect China's Yunnan province to Myanmar's financial centre Yangon and the Rakhine state.

By far, China is the largest foreign investor in Myanmar.

India faces a challenge from China, not just in Myanmar, but across South Asia.

More Chinese investments are being pushed in the Indian subcontinent.

And they all are part of the Belt and Road initiative.

Just before Xi Jinping left for Mynamar, Chinese state mouthpiece The Global Times carried a piece on the website that reads "will India miss the chance offered by Myanmar"?

This article argues that India and China should join hands for development projects in Myanmar.

China's plans to invest in Myanmar pose a challenge to India's security in the subcontinent.

The most worrying project is a seaport in the Bay of Bengal in Kyaukpyu, western coast of Myanmar.&nbsp; 
 
Beijing already has two ports in the region: Sri Lanka has given the Hambantota Port to China on a 99-year lease.

In Pakistan, China is building the Gwadar Port.

All this infrastructure fuels President Xi Jinping's ambitions to put China at the centre of global trade.

<h6><img alt="kii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f15a8ce6-f11b-4189-a6b4-a2068124a917" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_38.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;n this handout photograph taken and released by the Indian Press Information Bureau on November 3, 2019, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) interacts with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (L), on the sidelines of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

Ports in the Indian subcontinent are of great value, for they allow Beijing to exercise control over key shipping routes.

A port in Myanmar adds to China's leverage. &nbsp;Once completed, the port in Kyaukpyu will give China a direct link to oil supplies from West Asia. 
 
However, India also heavily invests in Myanmar. According to a document by the Ministry of External Affairs, India is the 11th largest investor in Myanmar.

26 Indian enterprises have invested nearly 744 million dollars with the most investments in the oil and gas sector.

India and Myanmar's bilateral trade is valued at two billion dollars. 
 
However, India has made overtures. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office for the second time, only two South-East Asian countries were invited for the swearing-in ceremony: Myanmar is one of them.

The importance of Myanmar for India cannot be overstated. It's the only country that sits at the intersection of India's “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” policy. 
&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-china-ink-deals-to-accelerate-belt-and-road-as-xi-courts-an-isolated-suu-kyi-275025">Myanmar, China ink deals to accelerate Belt and Road as Xi courts an isolated Suu Kyi</a>

Chinese president Xi Jinping is currently visiting Myanmar on a two-day tour. Earlier today, he got a lavish welcome in Nay-Pyi-Daw, the country's capital. Xi is visiting to celebrate 70 years of China-Myanmar ties, and to set-up investment in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine.

Chinese president Xi Jinping is currently visiting Myanmar on a two-day tour. Earlier today, he got a lavish welcome in Nay-Pyi-Daw, the country's capital. Xi is visiting to celebrate 70 years of China-Myanmar ties, and to set-up investment in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine. The state witnessed violence against the Rohingya Muslims a few years ago, triggering one of the biggest crises in South Asia. Myanmar came into the limelight for human rights abuses against the Muslim minority. Most Western nations accuse Myanmar's government of tacitly supporting the military in what they say was a genocide. The military had launched a campaign against the Rohingyas owing to which many of them were killed and raped. More than 900 thousand fled to Bangladesh. As a result, foreign investment has dried up in the country. After facing global scorn and isolation, Aung San Suu Kyi has turned to China for help. Jinping has obliged by promising to pump billions into Myanmar. Ahead of President Xi's arrival, a minister from Myanmar said that he would sign agreements to build a special economic zone, as well as a port - along the Bay of Bengal. Together, both countries are building the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. And it's all happening under the belt and road initiative - a debt trap for developing countries. Image: Chinese President Xi Jinping, Myanmar President Win Myint and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi attend a cermony marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, January 17, 2020 | Reuters India should be worried about China's moves. It could give Beijing a backdoor entry into the Indian Ocean, and thereby control over critical shopping routes in India's neighbourhood. The crown jewel of China's deals with Myanmar is the Kyau-Kphyu special economic zone. This is a 1.5 billion dollar deal, that involves a highway and oil and gas pipelines, infrastructure that will allow Beijing to tap into the rich energy reserves of Myanmar. This Special Economic Zone will connect China's Yunnan province to Myanmar's financial centre Yangon and the Rakhine state. By far, China is the largest foreign investor in Myanmar. India faces a challenge from China, not just in Myanmar, but across South Asia. More Chinese investments are being pushed in the Indian subcontinent. And they all are part of the Belt and Road initiative. Just before Xi Jinping left for Mynamar, Chinese state mouthpiece The Global Times carried a piece on the website that reads "will India miss the chance offered by Myanmar"? This article argues that India and China should join hands for development projects in Myanmar. China's plans to invest in Myanmar pose a challenge to India's security in the subcontinent. The most worrying project is a seaport in the Bay of Bengal in Kyaukpyu, western coast of Myanmar. Beijing already has two ports in the region: Sri Lanka has given the Hambantota Port to China on a 99-year lease. In Pakistan, China is building the Gwadar Port. All this infrastructure fuels President Xi Jinping's ambitions to put China at the centre of global trade. Image: n this handout photograph taken and released by the Indian Press Information Bureau on November 3, 2019, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) interacts with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (L), on the sidelines of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok | Reuters Ports in the Indian subcontinent are of great value, for they allow Beijing to exercise control over key shipping routes. A port in Myanmar adds to China's leverage. Once completed, the port in Kyaukpyu will give China a direct link to oil supplies from West Asia. However, India also heavily invests in Myanmar. According to a document by the Ministry of External Affairs, India is the 11th largest investor in Myanmar. 26 Indian enterprises have invested nearly 744 million dollars with the most investments in the oil and gas sector. India and Myanmar's bilateral trade is valued at two billion dollars. However, India has made overtures. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office for the second time, only two South-East Asian countries were invited for the swearing-in ceremony: Myanmar is one of them. The importance of Myanmar for India cannot be overstated. It's the only country that sits at the intersection of India's “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” policy. Also read: Myanmar, China ink deals to accelerate Belt and Road as Xi courts an isolated Suu Kyi

Xi Jinping bolsters relationship with Myanmar, what does this mean for India?

The Belt and Road Initiative is a trillion-dollar world domination plan. Since President Xi Jinping's rise to power, China has begun throwing its weight around.

The playbook is the same - infrastructure projects, billion dollars loans, a debt trap, which is designed to expand China's clout as a modern-day colonialist power.

But, all this could backfire. On WION Edit, we'll explore whether a slowing Chinese economy can shoulder the burden of BRI.

Now Xi Jinping has made his intentions clear with the visit to Myanmar. He is not giving up on his vision to re-invent the silk route. In fact, he is doubling down on his commitments. In the first 11 months of last year, Chinese companies signed Belt and Road contracts worth nearly $128 billion. This is a 41 per cent increase from 2018.

There is concern about the Chinese funding for projects around the world, but a more dangerous situation is now developing and Beijing could now end up becoming a hostage to the loans it is giving out. A major source of China's financing has been state-owned policy banks - like the Export-Import Bank of China, and the China Development Bank.

China's state-owned commercial banks have also jumped on BRI projects - the specifics of many deals remains a secret, there is no global scrutiny of the loans that China extends to other nations. This raises serious questions over the scale, and the terms of China's assistance and the massive debt is too hard to ignore.

Last year, China's total debt - this includes corporate, household and government, rose to well over 300 per cent of the GDP.

Sri Lanka had to cough up the Hambantota Port when it failed to meet its payment deadlines, but what would happen if other Belt and Road members too default?

The risk is real and many countries that have enrolled in the BRI are risky investment destinations. Pakistan's economy is in a shambles and political uncertainly always looms large, so there is always a risk of default.

Several others are plagued by corruption, governance issues and more. In Myanmar alone, China's biggest investments projects face the risk of an ethnic war.

The world can no longer afford to ignore the Belt and Road Initiative - it must be brought under a global regulatory system, one that assures stability to the global economy.

BRI touches more than 60 per cent of the world population. China alone cannot be allowed to run the show without submitting itself to scrutiny.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The Belt and Road Initiative is a trillion-dollar world domination plan. Since President Xi Jinping's rise to power, China has begun throwing its weight around. The playbook is the same - infrastructure projects, billion dollars loans, a debt trap, which is designed to expand China's clout as a modern-day colonialist power.

The Belt and Road Initiative is a trillion-dollar world domination plan. Since President Xi Jinping's rise to power, China has begun throwing its weight around. The playbook is the same - infrastructure projects, billion dollars loans, a debt trap, which is designed to expand China's clout as a modern-day colonialist power. But, all this could backfire. On WION Edit, we'll explore whether a slowing Chinese economy can shoulder the burden of BRI. Now Xi Jinping has made his intentions clear with the visit to Myanmar. He is not giving up on his vision to re-invent the silk route. In fact, he is doubling down on his commitments. In the first 11 months of last year, Chinese companies signed Belt and Road contracts worth nearly $128 billion. This is a 41 per cent increase from 2018. There is concern about the Chinese funding for projects around the world, but a more dangerous situation is now developing and Beijing could now end up becoming a hostage to the loans it is giving out. A major source of China's financing has been state-owned policy banks - like the Export-Import Bank of China, and the China Development Bank. China's state-owned commercial banks have also jumped on BRI projects - the specifics of many deals remains a secret, there is no global scrutiny of the loans that China extends to other nations. This raises serious questions over the scale, and the terms of China's assistance and the massive debt is too hard to ignore. Last year, China's total debt - this includes corporate, household and government, rose to well over 300 per cent of the GDP. Sri Lanka had to cough up the Hambantota Port when it failed to meet its payment deadlines, but what would happen if other Belt and Road members too default? The risk is real and many countries that have enrolled in the BRI are risky investment destinations. Pakistan's economy is in a shambles and political uncertainly always looms large, so there is always a risk of default. Several others are plagued by corruption, governance issues and more. In Myanmar alone, China's biggest investments projects face the risk of an ethnic war. The world can no longer afford to ignore the Belt and Road Initiative - it must be brought under a global regulatory system, one that assures stability to the global economy. BRI touches more than 60 per cent of the world population. China alone cannot be allowed to run the show without submitting itself to scrutiny. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Can China still afford the Belt and Road initiative?

With the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the agenda, Chinese President Xi Jinping will kickstart his visit to Myanmar on Friday.

Xi plans to ink several infrastructural deals on his first foreign trip of the year.

The trip comes on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Myanmar.

On Xi's agenda will be expanding the belt and road initiative to neighbouring Myanmar. This will involve the revival of stalled multi-billion dollar projects. However, a special focus will be on the 'China-Myanmar Economic Corridor'. The corridor, which is yet to materialise, will connect China with the Indian ocean.

Beijing will also seek to increase investment in Myanmar.

However, Chinese projects have sparked fears of environmental damage and displacement.

Xi is likely to discuss the deep-sea port project in Rakhine which was scaled down over fears of a Chinese debt trap.

Similarly, a china-backed dam project was suspended as it would have led to the displacement of tens of thousands of villagers.

Myanmar which is facing international condemnation over accusation of Rohingya genocide is increasingly becoming dependent on China.&nbsp;

China had backed Myanmar in the United Nations over the persecution of the Rohingya minority.

This is the first visit by a Chinese president to Myanmar in nearly 20 years.

In a bid to bolster strategic ties, Xi will be meeting with Myanmar Army Chief Min Aung Hlaing. He will also call upon the country's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

With the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the agenda, Chinese President Xi Jinping will kickstart his visit to Myanmar on Friday. Xi plans to ink several infrastructural deals on his first foreign trip of the year.

With the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the agenda, Chinese President Xi Jinping will kickstart his visit to Myanmar on Friday. Xi plans to ink several infrastructural deals on his first foreign trip of the year. The trip comes on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Myanmar. On Xi's agenda will be expanding the belt and road initiative to neighbouring Myanmar. This will involve the revival of stalled multi-billion dollar projects. However, a special focus will be on the 'China-Myanmar Economic Corridor'. The corridor, which is yet to materialise, will connect China with the Indian ocean. Beijing will also seek to increase investment in Myanmar. However, Chinese projects have sparked fears of environmental damage and displacement. Xi is likely to discuss the deep-sea port project in Rakhine which was scaled down over fears of a Chinese debt trap. Similarly, a china-backed dam project was suspended as it would have led to the displacement of tens of thousands of villagers. Myanmar which is facing international condemnation over accusation of Rohingya genocide is increasingly becoming dependent on China. China had backed Myanmar in the United Nations over the persecution of the Rohingya minority. This is the first visit by a Chinese president to Myanmar in nearly 20 years. In a bid to bolster strategic ties, Xi will be meeting with Myanmar Army Chief Min Aung Hlaing. He will also call upon the country's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

China's President Xi Jinping to visit Myanmar today with BRI on agenda

China is making major investments in Myanmar - and surrounding India from all sides. Beijing is building more infrastructure investments in the Indian subcontinent. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why India must challenge Xi Jinping's expansionist agenda.

Gravitas: Decoding China's powerplay in Myanmar

Xi Jinping is a man on a mission. The Chinese President is on a two-day visit to Myanmar - to seal more Belt & Road initiative projects. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how China's moves in Myanmar could lead to more challenges for India.

Gravitas: Why China wants a foothold in Myanmar

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Myanmar on January 17 on his first trip to the country since 2009 and is expected to step up investment in the Southeast Asian nation including in the conflict-racked state of Rakhine, a key link in China's Belt and Road initiative.

WION Dispatch: China President Xi Jinping arrives in Myanmar, Belt and Road initiative agenda

The people of Myanmar are eagerly awaiting the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which will bring relations between the two countries closer under the Belt and Road Initiative. So, China's influence over Myanmar impacts on India?

China's influence over Myanmar impacts on India?

The people of Myanmar are eagerly awaiting the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which will bring relations between the two countries closer under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi's visit to open a new chapter in China-Myanmar friendly exchanges?

China's President Xi Jinping will arrive in Myanmar on Friday to nail down multi-billion-dollar infrastructure deals in a country abandoned by many in the West appalled at the "genocide" of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/icj-ruling-on-urgent-measures-in-rohingya-case-on-january-23-gambia-274450">Rohingya Muslims</a> on leader Aung San Suu Kyi's watch.

Xi's two-day visit, his first as president, will seek to cement Beijing's position as Myanmar's largest investor and strategic partner.

The much-trumpeted China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) aims to connect the Middle Kingdom to the Indian Ocean, a key route in Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative that envisions Chinese infrastructure and influence spanning the globe.

In addition to offering tens of billions of dollars in investment, China shields its neighbour at the United Nations, where pressure is mounting for accountability over the Rohingya crisis.

Yet the relationship between the countries is tangled.

Ethnic conflicts sizzling in border zones and the impact of dams, pipelines and transport links risk awakening hostility over Chinese intentions.

For China, it is "time to get things back on track", historian Thant Myint-U wrote in his latest book.

'Open for business'

The headline deal will likely be a colossal factory zone and deep-sea port in Rakhine state, which lies on Myanmar's west coast beside the Bay of Bengal.

Myanmar successfully slashed the cost of Kyaukphyu port from $7.2 billion to $1.3 billion, reducing the chance of it turning into a debt trap.

Like other Chinese-led projects, however, public details are scant.

Rakhine's northern fringes saw 740,000 Rohingya forced out in a bloody military crackdown in 2017.

The state remains the stage for a civil war between the military and an ethnic Rakhine rebel group.

Undeterred, Myanmar has declared the area open for business.

While Western investors have shunned the opportunity, China -- competing against other regional giants -- has few such qualms.

Billions of cubic metres of gas and millions of barrels of oil from offshore rigs are pumped each year across the country to China.

Beijing now wants to secure plans for a high-speed rail link between the port and China's landlocked Yunnan province.

Other key projects include industrial zones on the shared border and a makeover for commercial hub Yangon.

Analyst Richard Horsey said the visit brings both huge opportunity and enormous risk for Myanmar.

"They feel they're again over-reliant on China and that's a very dangerous place to be."

China already holds the largest share -- around $4 billion or 40 percent -- of Myanmar's foreign debt.

That dam question

The future of a suspended, Beijing-backed mega-dam in northern Kachin state threatens to overshadow Xi's visit.

As vice-president in 2009, Xi signed off on the Myitsone dam with Myanmar's then-military junta.

But widespread public anger brought the project to an abrupt halt two years later in an affront to China.

The $3.6 billion dam would flood an area the size of Singapore and critics warn of irreparable damage to the Ayeyarwady River.

Inching towards restarting the project would be "catastrophic, counter-productive and unpopular" ahead of Myanmar elections later this year, said Horsey.

Once a vocal opponent of the dam, Suu Kyi last year called on people to reconsider their opposition.

Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui last week cryptically said the two nations remained in "close communication" on the issue.

But anger still permeates local communities.

Ndau Pri, 60, who was shunted from her home 10 years ago by early construction work, still cannot return as the project has not been definitively cancelled.

"They don't care about us," she told AFP, gesturing to the infertile ground around her new village.

Hearts and minds

The Xi visit is also to "show support to Suu Kyi in the context of the Rohingya crisis", analyst Yun Sun said.

Suu Kyi's reputation in the West lay shattered even before she defended her nation against genocide charges at the UN's top court in The Hague last month.

Luo, the Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, focused on extolling China's role in mediating between Bangladesh and Myanmar over the Rohingya.

China plays a shadowy yet influential role behind the scenes of other festering conflicts with rebel groups, particularly on the countries' shared border.

The economic corridor will cut through mountainous areas of Shan state, where a dozen insurgent armies and hundreds of militia forces are based.

Local media reported a Chinese envoy this week even visited key militant groups to warn them not to undermine the summit.

Xi will meet both Suu Kyi and powerful army chief Min Aung Hlaing to deepen ties.

From Rakhine fishermen to Kachin farmers, hearts and minds in Myanmar, however, are far from won.

"China could again become the bogeyman, seen as the existential threat to the country," Horsey said. 
&nbsp;

China's President Xi Jinping will arrive in Myanmar on Friday to nail down multi-billion-dollar infrastructure deals in a country abandoned by many in the West appalled at the "genocide" of Rohingya Muslims on leader Aung San Suu Kyi's watch.

China's President Xi Jinping will arrive in Myanmar on Friday to nail down multi-billion-dollar infrastructure deals in a country abandoned by many in the West appalled at the "genocide" of Rohingya Muslims on leader Aung San Suu Kyi's watch. Xi's two-day visit, his first as president, will seek to cement Beijing's position as Myanmar's largest investor and strategic partner. The much-trumpeted China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) aims to connect the Middle Kingdom to the Indian Ocean, a key route in Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative that envisions Chinese infrastructure and influence spanning the globe. In addition to offering tens of billions of dollars in investment, China shields its neighbour at the United Nations, where pressure is mounting for accountability over the Rohingya crisis. Yet the relationship between the countries is tangled. Ethnic conflicts sizzling in border zones and the impact of dams, pipelines and transport links risk awakening hostility over Chinese intentions. For China, it is "time to get things back on track", historian Thant Myint-U wrote in his latest book. 'Open for business' The headline deal will likely be a colossal factory zone and deep-sea port in Rakhine state, which lies on Myanmar's west coast beside the Bay of Bengal. Myanmar successfully slashed the cost of Kyaukphyu port from $7.2 billion to $1.3 billion, reducing the chance of it turning into a debt trap. Like other Chinese-led projects, however, public details are scant. Rakhine's northern fringes saw 740,000 Rohingya forced out in a bloody military crackdown in 2017. The state remains the stage for a civil war between the military and an ethnic Rakhine rebel group. Undeterred, Myanmar has declared the area open for business. While Western investors have shunned the opportunity, China -- competing against other regional giants -- has few such qualms. Billions of cubic metres of gas and millions of barrels of oil from offshore rigs are pumped each year across the country to China. Beijing now wants to secure plans for a high-speed rail link between the port and China's landlocked Yunnan province. Other key projects include industrial zones on the shared border and a makeover for commercial hub Yangon. Analyst Richard Horsey said the visit brings both huge opportunity and enormous risk for Myanmar. "They feel they're again over-reliant on China and that's a very dangerous place to be." China already holds the largest share -- around $4 billion or 40 percent -- of Myanmar's foreign debt. That dam question The future of a suspended, Beijing-backed mega-dam in northern Kachin state threatens to overshadow Xi's visit. As vice-president in 2009, Xi signed off on the Myitsone dam with Myanmar's then-military junta. But widespread public anger brought the project to an abrupt halt two years later in an affront to China. The $3.6 billion dam would flood an area the size of Singapore and critics warn of irreparable damage to the Ayeyarwady River. Inching towards restarting the project would be "catastrophic, counter-productive and unpopular" ahead of Myanmar elections later this year, said Horsey. Once a vocal opponent of the dam, Suu Kyi last year called on people to reconsider their opposition. Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui last week cryptically said the two nations remained in "close communication" on the issue. But anger still permeates local communities. Ndau Pri, 60, who was shunted from her home 10 years ago by early construction work, still cannot return as the project has not been definitively cancelled. "They don't care about us," she told AFP, gesturing to the infertile ground around her new village. Hearts and minds The Xi visit is also to "show support to Suu Kyi in the context of the Rohingya crisis", analyst Yun Sun said. Suu Kyi's reputation in the West lay shattered even before she defended her nation against genocide charges at the UN's top court in The Hague last month. Luo, the Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, focused on extolling China's role in mediating between Bangladesh and Myanmar over the Rohingya. China plays a shadowy yet influential role behind the scenes of other festering conflicts with rebel groups, particularly on the countries' shared border. The economic corridor will cut through mountainous areas of Shan state, where a dozen insurgent armies and hundreds of militia forces are based. Local media reported a Chinese envoy this week even visited key militant groups to warn them not to undermine the summit. Xi will meet both Suu Kyi and powerful army chief Min Aung Hlaing to deepen ties. From Rakhine fishermen to Kachin farmers, hearts and minds in Myanmar, however, are far from won. "China could again become the bogeyman, seen as the existential threat to the country," Horsey said.

China's Xi to visit Myanmar to drive home Belt and Road plan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688">Tokyo</a>-based human rights activists on Wednesday decried recent remarks by Japan's ambassador to Yangon, who told local media he did not think the Myanmar military committed genocide on the Rohingya Muslim minority in the country.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fields-of-dreams-tokyo-2020s-major-sites-202797#tokyo-2020-202795">Fields of dreams: Tokyo 2020's major sites</a>&nbsp;

More than 730,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-rohingya-crisis-what-to-watch-for-in-2019-187973">Rohingya</a> fled the Southeast Asian nation to&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;in 2017 after a military-led crackdown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="The Rohingya crisis: What to watch for in 2019">The Rohingya crisis</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-becomes-fourth-nation-to-pay-un-dues-on-time-world-body-thanks-new-delhi-273780">United Nations</a> has said the campaign was executed with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings and rape.

The military offensive has sparked a series of ongoing legal cases filed in recent months at courts across the globe, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accuses-icc-of-anti-semitism-in-pursuit-of-war-crimes-probe-269630">International Criminal Court</a> (ICC) and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-to-probe-alleged-war-crimes-in-palestinian-territories-269444">International Court of Justice</a> (ICJ), both based in the Hague.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accuses-icc-of-anti-semitism-in-pursuit-of-war-crimes-probe-269630">Netanyahu accuses international court of anti-semitism in war crimes probe</a>

Zaw Min Htut, vice president of an advocacy group, Burmese Rohingya Association in Japan, said the ambassador's remarks were "disturbing".

"I am very disappointed and appealing again to the Japanese government. Please try to help Rohingya people and don't side with criminals," Zaw Min Htut told foreign correspondents in Tokyo.

"Today the Japanese government do not even cooperate, not supporting U.N. actions on Myanmar," he said.

His group supports about 250 Rohingya based in Japan.

Ichiro Maruyama, the Japanese ambassador to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-adds-more-countries-to-visa-on-arrival-list-274031">Myanmar</a>, told local news website the Irrawaddy in December that he did not think the Myanmar military "committed genocide or (had the) intent of genocide". He was previously quoted by the same outlet as saying that potential trade sanctions on Myanmar over the Rohingya crisis would be "utter nonsense".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-slams-myanmar-for-human-rights-abuses-of-rohingya-muslims-passes-resolutions-270753">United Nations slams Myanmar for human rights abuses of Rohingya Muslims, passes resolution</a>

The ICJ, the United Nations' highest court, will issue a decision on a request for emergency measures in a genocide case against Myanmar on Jan. 23, the Gambian Ministry of Justice said on Monday.

The mainly Muslim west African country filed a lawsuit in November, alleging Myanmar was committing "an ongoing genocide" against the Rohingya in the western state of Rakhine.

The Myanmar government has strongly disputed that conclusion, categorizing the military operation as a legitimate counter-terrorism response to attacks by Rohingya militants.

Japan's foreign ministry said it was not in a position to comment on the legal case at the ICJ because it is between "third parties".

"Ambassador Maruyama did not mean to prejudge findings or judgement of this ICJ case," the ministry told Reuters in a statement. "Rather, he merely expressed impression as a person working in the country, including showing an understanding of the complexity of the situations in Rakhine state."

Tokyo-based human rights activists on Wednesday decried recent remarks by Japan's ambassador to Yangon, who told local media he did not think the Myanmar military committed genocide on the Rohingya Muslim minority in the country.

Tokyo-based human rights activists on Wednesday decried recent remarks by Japan's ambassador to Yangon, who told local media he did not think the Myanmar military committed genocide on the Rohingya Muslim minority in the country. Also see: Fields of dreams: Tokyo 2020's major sites More than 730,000 Rohingya fled the Southeast Asian nation to Bangladesh in 2017 after a military-led crackdown. Also read: The Rohingya crisis The United Nations has said the campaign was executed with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings and rape. The military offensive has sparked a series of ongoing legal cases filed in recent months at courts across the globe, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), both based in the Hague. Also read: Netanyahu accuses international court of anti-semitism in war crimes probe Zaw Min Htut, vice president of an advocacy group, Burmese Rohingya Association in Japan, said the ambassador's remarks were "disturbing". "I am very disappointed and appealing again to the Japanese government. Please try to help Rohingya people and don't side with criminals," Zaw Min Htut told foreign correspondents in Tokyo. "Today the Japanese government do not even cooperate, not supporting U.N. actions on Myanmar," he said. His group supports about 250 Rohingya based in Japan. Ichiro Maruyama, the Japanese ambassador to Myanmar, told local news website the Irrawaddy in December that he did not think the Myanmar military "committed genocide or (had the) intent of genocide". He was previously quoted by the same outlet as saying that potential trade sanctions on Myanmar over the Rohingya crisis would be "utter nonsense". Also read: United Nations slams Myanmar for human rights abuses of Rohingya Muslims, passes resolution The ICJ, the United Nations' highest court, will issue a decision on a request for emergency measures in a genocide case against Myanmar on Jan. 23, the Gambian Ministry of Justice said on Monday. The mainly Muslim west African country filed a lawsuit in November, alleging Myanmar was committing "an ongoing genocide" against the Rohingya in the western state of Rakhine. The Myanmar government has strongly disputed that conclusion, categorizing the military operation as a legitimate counter-terrorism response to attacks by Rohingya militants. Japan's foreign ministry said it was not in a position to comment on the legal case at the ICJ because it is between "third parties". "Ambassador Maruyama did not mean to prejudge findings or judgement of this ICJ case," the ministry told Reuters in a statement. "Rather, he merely expressed impression as a person working in the country, including showing an understanding of the complexity of the situations in Rakhine state."

Rights group denounces Japan envoy for 'disturbing' comments on Myanmar Rohingya

The U.N.'s top court will deliver its decision next week on whether emergency measures should be imposed on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../aung-san-suu-kyi-party-official-killed-in- myanmars-rakhine-270333">Myanmar</a> over alleged genocide against its Rohingya Muslims, the Gambian government tweeted Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-slams-myanmar-for-human-rights-abuses-of-rohingya-muslims-passes-resolutions-270753">United Nations slams Myanmar for human rights abuses of Rohingya Muslims, passes resolution</a>

In a shock move, Myanmar's civilian leader and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi travelled to The Hague last month to defend the bloody 2017 crackdown by her nation's army against the Rohingya.

Some 740,000 fled over the border into Bangladesh, carrying accounts of widespread rape, arson and mass killings, in violence UN investigators said amounted to genocide.

The Gambian Ministry of Justice announced on Twitter early Wednesday the ICJ would deliver its decision on emergency measures on Thursday 23 January.

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The International Court of Justice <a href="https://twitter.com/CIJ_ICJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CIJ_ICJ</a> will on Thursday 23rd January be delivering its decision on the Provisional Measures requested by The Gambia in its <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Genocide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Genocide</a> case against Myanmar. <a href="https://t.co/qbaK3lK74N">pic.twitter.com/qbaK3lK74N</a>
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The West African nation had brought a case against Buddhist-majority Myanmar to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with the backing of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

At the December hearing, the Gambia alleged Myanmar had breached the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.

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It also said there was a "serious and imminent risk of genocide recurring" and called for emergency measures to prevent Myanmar from committing any further atrocities or erasing any evidence.

It is not clear how specific the emergency measures would be, but enforcing them would likely prove difficult.

If the court rules in the Gambia's favour, this would be just the first step in a case likely to take years.

An estimated 600,000 Rohingya still live in Myanmar's western Rakhine state in what Amnesty International has branded "apartheid" conditions.

Suu Kyi admitted the army may have used excessive force against the Rohingya, but said the case was based on "misleading and incomplete" claims, calling for it to be dropped.

The 74-year-old, once regarded as a rights icon in the West, also said the case risked reigniting the crisis.

ICJ judges have only once before ruled that genocide was committed, in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia.

Suu Kyi's defence of the generals was widely condemned in the West but proved popular at home with a public largely unsympathetic to the plight of the Rohingya.

Myanmar insists its own investigations will ensure accountability for any human rights violations but critics deride the domestic panels as toothless and partial.

Myanmar also faces other legal challenges over the Rohingya, including a probe by the International Criminal Court&nbsp;a separate war crimes tribunal&nbsp;and a lawsuit in Argentina which notably alleges Suu Kyi's complicity.

The U.N.'s top court will deliver its decision next week on whether emergency measures should be imposed on Myanmar over alleged genocide against its Rohingya Muslims, the Gambian government tweeted Wednesday.

The U.N.'s top court will deliver its decision next week on whether emergency measures should be imposed on Myanmar over alleged genocide against its Rohingya Muslims, the Gambian government tweeted Wednesday. Also read: United Nations slams Myanmar for human rights abuses of Rohingya Muslims, passes resolution In a shock move, Myanmar's civilian leader and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi travelled to The Hague last month to defend the bloody 2017 crackdown by her nation's army against the Rohingya. Some 740,000 fled over the border into Bangladesh, carrying accounts of widespread rape, arson and mass killings, in violence UN investigators said amounted to genocide. The Gambian Ministry of Justice announced on Twitter early Wednesday the ICJ would deliver its decision on emergency measures on Thursday 23 January. The International Court of Justice @CIJ_ICJ will on Thursday 23rd January be delivering its decision on the Provisional Measures requested by The Gambia in its #Genocide case against Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/qbaK3lK74N — Ministry of Justice (@Gambia_MOJ) January 14, 2020 × The West African nation had brought a case against Buddhist-majority Myanmar to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with the backing of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands. At the December hearing, the Gambia alleged Myanmar had breached the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. × It also said there was a "serious and imminent risk of genocide recurring" and called for emergency measures to prevent Myanmar from committing any further atrocities or erasing any evidence. It is not clear how specific the emergency measures would be, but enforcing them would likely prove difficult. If the court rules in the Gambia's favour, this would be just the first step in a case likely to take years. An estimated 600,000 Rohingya still live in Myanmar's western Rakhine state in what Amnesty International has branded "apartheid" conditions. Suu Kyi admitted the army may have used excessive force against the Rohingya, but said the case was based on "misleading and incomplete" claims, calling for it to be dropped. The 74-year-old, once regarded as a rights icon in the West, also said the case risked reigniting the crisis. ICJ judges have only once before ruled that genocide was committed, in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia. Suu Kyi's defence of the generals was widely condemned in the West but proved popular at home with a public largely unsympathetic to the plight of the Rohingya. Myanmar insists its own investigations will ensure accountability for any human rights violations but critics deride the domestic panels as toothless and partial. Myanmar also faces other legal challenges over the Rohingya, including a probe by the International Criminal Court a separate war crimes tribunal and a lawsuit in Argentina which notably alleges Suu Kyi's complicity.

International Court of Justice ruling on urgent measures in Rohingya case on January 23: Gambia

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi made a rare trip to a region bordering China days before President Xi Jinping is expected to push for controversial port and dam projects during a visit to the country.

Wearing traditional ethnic attire Suu Kyi danced with a street procession on Friday in northern Kachin state's capital Myitkyina, a day after supporters cheered her arrival at the airport.

She urged a crowd of thousands to "focus on the present" and called for peace in the remote region, where insurgents have clashed with the army over autonomy and resources.

She did not mention the China-backed Myitsone dam, a $3.6 billion project halted in 2011 in the face of widespread opposition.

A proposal to reinstate the dam drew thousands of protesters onto the streets last year.

Myanmar is a vital piece of China's Belt and Road Initiative, Xi's $1 trillion vision for maritime, rail and road projects across Asia, Africa and Europe.

During his two-day visit to the country starting January 17, Xi and top Myanmar political and military leaders are expected to discuss the initiative, according to a Friday briefing by China's Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui.

Asked about the dam in Kachin, Luo said the two sides "are still maintaining close communication on this".

Suu Kyi was an opponent of the project before her party swept to power in 2015 elections, but in March last year she called on people to consider it "from a wider perspective".

An environmental assessment commissioned by the government five years ago advised against the dam's construction, saying it could alter the flow of the Irrawaddy River.

Myitsone is one of several Beijing-backed projects in Myanmar, including a deep-sea port in Rakhine state's Kyaukphyu that will serve as China's gateway to the Indian Ocean.

Northern Rakhine was the site of brutal military operations against Rohingya Muslims in 2017 but Kyaukphyu was largely unscathed.

Analysts say Myanmar has drifted closer to Beijing thanks to the Asian giant's backing of Suu Kyi over the crisis, which shattered her reputation in the west even as she remains popular at home.

Xi is also expected to meet army chief Min Aung Hlaing, who has been accused of overseeing the crackdown against the Muslim minority that drove more than 740,000 people into neighbouring Bangladesh.

Suu Kyi defended her country against allegations of genocide at the UN's top court in The Hague last month in a case that is expected to last years.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi made a rare trip to a region bordering China days before President Xi Jinping is expected to push for controversial port and dam projects during a visit to the country.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi made a rare trip to a region bordering China days before President Xi Jinping is expected to push for controversial port and dam projects during a visit to the country. Wearing traditional ethnic attire Suu Kyi danced with a street procession on Friday in northern Kachin state's capital Myitkyina, a day after supporters cheered her arrival at the airport. She urged a crowd of thousands to "focus on the present" and called for peace in the remote region, where insurgents have clashed with the army over autonomy and resources. She did not mention the China-backed Myitsone dam, a $3.6 billion project halted in 2011 in the face of widespread opposition. A proposal to reinstate the dam drew thousands of protesters onto the streets last year. Myanmar is a vital piece of China's Belt and Road Initiative, Xi's $1 trillion vision for maritime, rail and road projects across Asia, Africa and Europe. During his two-day visit to the country starting January 17, Xi and top Myanmar political and military leaders are expected to discuss the initiative, according to a Friday briefing by China's Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui. Asked about the dam in Kachin, Luo said the two sides "are still maintaining close communication on this". Suu Kyi was an opponent of the project before her party swept to power in 2015 elections, but in March last year she called on people to consider it "from a wider perspective". An environmental assessment commissioned by the government five years ago advised against the dam's construction, saying it could alter the flow of the Irrawaddy River. Myitsone is one of several Beijing-backed projects in Myanmar, including a deep-sea port in Rakhine state's Kyaukphyu that will serve as China's gateway to the Indian Ocean. Northern Rakhine was the site of brutal military operations against Rohingya Muslims in 2017 but Kyaukphyu was largely unscathed. Analysts say Myanmar has drifted closer to Beijing thanks to the Asian giant's backing of Suu Kyi over the crisis, which shattered her reputation in the west even as she remains popular at home. Xi is also expected to meet army chief Min Aung Hlaing, who has been accused of overseeing the crackdown against the Muslim minority that drove more than 740,000 people into neighbouring Bangladesh. Suu Kyi defended her country against allegations of genocide at the UN's top court in The Hague last month in a case that is expected to last years.

Ahead of Xi's visit to Myanmar, Suu Kyi makes rare trip to China

Solar Eclipse 2019: World witnesses last celestial wonder of the decade

The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution condemning human rights abuses against Muslim Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar. #UNGA #Rohingya #Myanmar #WION

UNGA condemns human rights violation against Rohingyas in Myanmar

A delegation of Rohingya refugees on Thursday (December 19) refused to accept a proposal made by Myanmar officials to repatriate them to Myanmar, citing that their demands have not been met.

Rohingya refugees reject Myanmar officials' proposal to return home

A delegation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-aung-san-suu-kyi-is-in-the-hague-defending-myanmar-against-allegations-of-genocide-267828">Myanmar</a> officials visited the sprawling Bangladeshi refugee camps on Wednesday (December 18), where they spoke to several dozen Rohingya refugees in an effort to kickstart a process to repatriate them.

Myanmar says it has been ready to accept back the refugees since January last year and has built camps near the border to receive them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-seizes-boat-carrying-173-rohingya-muslims-military-spokesman-268720">Rohingya</a> leaders say they want Myanmar to recognise them as an ethnic group with the right to Myanmar citizenship before they return. Rohingya representatives said no progress had been made at Wednesday's talks.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who remain inside Myanmar are mostly denied citizenship and live in conditions Amnesty International has likened to apartheid, confined to camps and villages and unable to travel freely.

Myanmar does not consider the Rohingya a native ethnic group. Many in the Buddhist-majority country call the Rohingya "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-has-softened-stance-following-icj-hearing-bangladesh-foreign-minister-268492">Bengalis</a>", suggesting they belong in Bangladesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi-warns-genocide-case-could-reignite-rohingya-crisis-268065">Gambia</a> accused Myanmar of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention over a military campaign that drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar to Bangladesh. It has asked the International Court of Justice to order "provisional measures" to prevent more harm.

A delegation of Myanmar officials visited the sprawling Bangladeshi refugee camps on Wednesday (December 18), where they spoke to several dozen Rohingya refugees in an effort to kickstart a process to repatriate them.

A delegation of Myanmar officials visited the sprawling Bangladeshi refugee camps on Wednesday (December 18), where they spoke to several dozen Rohingya refugees in an effort to kickstart a process to repatriate them. Myanmar says it has been ready to accept back the refugees since January last year and has built camps near the border to receive them. Rohingya leaders say they want Myanmar to recognise them as an ethnic group with the right to Myanmar citizenship before they return. Rohingya representatives said no progress had been made at Wednesday's talks. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who remain inside Myanmar are mostly denied citizenship and live in conditions Amnesty International has likened to apartheid, confined to camps and villages and unable to travel freely. Myanmar does not consider the Rohingya a native ethnic group. Many in the Buddhist-majority country call the Rohingya "Bengalis", suggesting they belong in Bangladesh. Gambia accused Myanmar of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention over a military campaign that drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar to Bangladesh. It has asked the International Court of Justice to order "provisional measures" to prevent more harm.

'We are ready to go back': Rohingya refugees meet with Myanmar delegates

Three&nbsp;blasts took place in the normally quiet town of Manaung on an island off Myanmar's western coast where Suu Kyi was due to arrive to attend the opening of&nbsp;a solar power plant.

"There were three explosions, but no casualties," Win Myint, spokesperson for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amnesty-accuses-myanmar-military-of-fresh-war-crimes-in-rakhine-222432">Rakhine</a>'s regional government, told AFP.

He said it happened before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-aung-san-suu-kyi-is-in-the-hague-defending-myanmar-against-allegations-of-genocide-267828">Suu Kyi</a> arrived, but since they were on the other side of town the event went ahead as planned and she had since left safely on a flight to Yangon.

WATCH: Violence in Rakhine state centuries-old, says Aung San Suu Kyi

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"This has never happened in Manaung before."

No group has yet claimed responsibility for planting the small bombs, which detonated at the side of a road, photos from local media showed. &nbsp;

The area has remained largely unscathed by unrest further north, where Myanmar's military is locked in an increasingly vicious conflict with the Arakan Army (AA).

The rebel group claims to be fighting for more autonomy and rights for the ethnic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-lady-and-the-hague-myanmar-leader-suu-kyi-courts-home-audience-266663">Rakhine Buddhists</a> and garners sympathy from many local people who have long felt marginalised in the Bamar-majority country.

But tens of thousands have fled their homes over the past year and dozens of civilians have been caught in the crossfire.

There have been allegations of abuse against both sides.

Rights groups say Myanmar's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-seizes-boat-carrying-173-rohingya-muslims-military-spokesman-268720">military</a> has abducted civilians and tortured detainees, but the army points to targeted shootings, roadside bombings and kidnappings by insurgents.&nbsp;

One <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-worker-dies-in-myanmar-rebel-operation-259872">Indian</a> construction worker died while being held hostage and an MP from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has now been held for over six weeks.

A number of hostages seized by the rebels in a raid on a ferry packed with scores of police and soldiers were killed in October, with each side blaming the other.

Rakhine state's north was also the epicentre of a bloody military crackdown two years ago that forced some 740,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-ready-to-go-back-rohingya-refugees-meet-with-myanmar-delegates-269053">Rohingya</a> Muslims to flee over the border into Bangladesh.

Thursday's visit was only the third time Suu Kyi had travelled to Rakhine since the Rohingya crisis erupted in 2017.

Three blasts took place in the normally quiet town of Manaung on an island off Myanmar's western coast where Suu Kyi was due to arrive to attend the opening of a solar power plant.

Three blasts took place in the normally quiet town of Manaung on an island off Myanmar's western coast where Suu Kyi was due to arrive to attend the opening of a solar power plant. "There were three explosions, but no casualties," Win Myint, spokesperson for Rakhine's regional government, told AFP. He said it happened before Suu Kyi arrived, but since they were on the other side of town the event went ahead as planned and she had since left safely on a flight to Yangon. WATCH: Violence in Rakhine state centuries-old, says Aung San Suu Kyi × "This has never happened in Manaung before." No group has yet claimed responsibility for planting the small bombs, which detonated at the side of a road, photos from local media showed. The area has remained largely unscathed by unrest further north, where Myanmar's military is locked in an increasingly vicious conflict with the Arakan Army (AA). The rebel group claims to be fighting for more autonomy and rights for the ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and garners sympathy from many local people who have long felt marginalised in the Bamar-majority country. But tens of thousands have fled their homes over the past year and dozens of civilians have been caught in the crossfire. There have been allegations of abuse against both sides. Rights groups say Myanmar's military has abducted civilians and tortured detainees, but the army points to targeted shootings, roadside bombings and kidnappings by insurgents. One Indian construction worker died while being held hostage and an MP from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has now been held for over six weeks. A number of hostages seized by the rebels in a raid on a ferry packed with scores of police and soldiers were killed in October, with each side blaming the other. Rakhine state's north was also the epicentre of a bloody military crackdown two years ago that forced some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee over the border into Bangladesh. Thursday's visit was only the third time Suu Kyi had travelled to Rakhine since the Rohingya crisis erupted in 2017.

Small blasts hit Rakhine town as Myanmar's Suu Kyi visits

The Myanmar navy seized the vessel carrying the group, including 22 children, in Tanintharyi Division’s Kawthaung township on Sunday, said military spokesman Tun Tun Nyi.

“Our navy found them on a suspicious boat in the sea,” he told Reuters by phone. “The police will proceed according to the law.”

More than 730,000 Rohingya <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-rohingya-refugee-crisis-in-key-dates-245472">fled</a> Myanmar to Bangladesh in 2017 to escape a military-led crackdown that U.N investigators have said was carried out with “genocidal intent” and included mass killings and rapes.

Some<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/two-years-on-rohingyas-still-without-rights-status-or-justice-244567"> 600,000 remain</a>&nbsp;in largely Buddhist Myanmar, confined to camps and villages in the western Rakhine state where they are unable to travel freely or access healthcare and education.

For years, Rohingya on both sides of the border have boarded&nbsp;boats&nbsp;organized by smugglers in the&nbsp;dry&nbsp;months between November and March, when the sea is calm. The dangerous journey to Thailand and Malaysia, often undertaken in overcrowded, rickety vessels, has cost many lives.

The exodus peaked in 2015 when an estimated 25,000 people crossed the Andaman Sea, many drowning in unsafe and overloaded boats. But smuggling has continued.

Myat Thu, assistant director of Kawthaung township’s administrative office, said it was not yet clear whether the group arrested on Sunday set sail from Myanmar or Bangladesh.

“Now we keep them at an island in Kawthaung in the sea, with security guards,” he told Reuters by phone. “We are making sure that all of their human rights are protected.”

Bangladesh coast guard official Saiful Islam told Reuters they were unaware of any boats leaving the camps for Myanmar.

“If we had such information, we would have stopped them,” he said by phone.

More than 90 Rohingya including 23 children found on a beach in the Irrawaddy delta region after boarding a boat from Rakhine appeared in a Myanmar court on Dec. 11 to face charges&nbsp;of travelling illegally.

Hundreds have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/95-rohingya-in-myanmar-face-jail-as-un-hears-genocide-case-267699">imprisoned</a> in jails and youth detention centres across the country.

“It shouldn’t be that way,” Muslim leader Wunna Shwe, joint-secretary of the Islamic Religious Affairs Council in Myanmar, told Reuters.

“The government must examine their citizenship and grant citizenship to those who are eligible. It will be difficult to solve this issue without recognizing the rights of the people in the existing camps.”

The Myanmar navy seized the vessel carrying the group, including 22 children, in Tanintharyi Division’s Kawthaung township on Sunday, said military spokesman Tun Tun Nyi.

The Myanmar navy seized the vessel carrying the group, including 22 children, in Tanintharyi Division’s Kawthaung township on Sunday, said military spokesman Tun Tun Nyi. “Our navy found them on a suspicious boat in the sea,” he told Reuters by phone. “The police will proceed according to the law.” More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar to Bangladesh in 2017 to escape a military-led crackdown that U.N investigators have said was carried out with “genocidal intent” and included mass killings and rapes. Some 600,000 remain in largely Buddhist Myanmar, confined to camps and villages in the western Rakhine state where they are unable to travel freely or access healthcare and education. For years, Rohingya on both sides of the border have boarded boats organized by smugglers in the dry months between November and March, when the sea is calm. The dangerous journey to Thailand and Malaysia, often undertaken in overcrowded, rickety vessels, has cost many lives. The exodus peaked in 2015 when an estimated 25,000 people crossed the Andaman Sea, many drowning in unsafe and overloaded boats. But smuggling has continued. Myat Thu, assistant director of Kawthaung township’s administrative office, said it was not yet clear whether the group arrested on Sunday set sail from Myanmar or Bangladesh. “Now we keep them at an island in Kawthaung in the sea, with security guards,” he told Reuters by phone. “We are making sure that all of their human rights are protected.” Bangladesh coast guard official Saiful Islam told Reuters they were unaware of any boats leaving the camps for Myanmar. “If we had such information, we would have stopped them,” he said by phone. More than 90 Rohingya including 23 children found on a beach in the Irrawaddy delta region after boarding a boat from Rakhine appeared in a Myanmar court on Dec. 11 to face charges of travelling illegally. Hundreds have been imprisoned in jails and youth detention centres across the country. “It shouldn’t be that way,” Muslim leader Wunna Shwe, joint-secretary of the Islamic Religious Affairs Council in Myanmar, told Reuters. “The government must examine their citizenship and grant citizenship to those who are eligible. It will be difficult to solve this issue without recognizing the rights of the people in the existing camps.”

Myanmar seizes boat carrying 173 Rohingya Muslims: Military

Following the United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing, Myanmar has "softened" its stance on the matter pertaining to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/supporters-throng-streets-as-myanmar-leader-suu-kyi-returns-from-the-hague-268293"> Rohingya Muslims</a> said Bangladesh Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-might-cancel-india-trip-report-268002">AK Abdul Momen</a>.

"They have softened their stance. They have invited me for a visit. These are good initiatives," BDNews24 quoted Momen as saying on Sunday.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday categorically rejected charges of genocide of the Rohingya Muslim minority that has been placed against Myanmar's military by the West African nation of Gambia.

Speaking at the ICJ at The Hague, the global human rights and democracy icon said that the Rohingya conflict was a domestic matter for her country to resolve.

According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-lawyer-to-critics-on-genocide-case-everyone-has-right-to-defence-268202">Al Jazeera</a>, around 7,40,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar in August 2017 following a military crackdown joining 200,000 refugees already in makeshift tent settlements at Cox's Bazar.

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation deal two years ago, but virtually no refugees have been returned to date. UN investigators described the situation in Myanmar as "unsafe, unsustainable and impossible".

"I had said that I would visit once all the Rohingya returned (to Myanmar). Then I would meet them there. Now they (Myanmar) have invited me again. Let's see what can be done," Momen said. 
He advised Myanmar authorities to come to Bangladesh and talk to Rohingya to understand their expectations.

"But I want them to come here and talk to their people (Rohingya) to understand their expectations. It may ease the repatriation," he added.

Following the United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing, Myanmar has "softened" its stance on the matter pertaining to Rohingya Muslims said Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.

Following the United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing, Myanmar has "softened" its stance on the matter pertaining to Rohingya Muslims said Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. "They have softened their stance. They have invited me for a visit. These are good initiatives," BDNews24 quoted Momen as saying on Sunday. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday categorically rejected charges of genocide of the Rohingya Muslim minority that has been placed against Myanmar's military by the West African nation of Gambia. Speaking at the ICJ at The Hague, the global human rights and democracy icon said that the Rohingya conflict was a domestic matter for her country to resolve. According to Al Jazeera, around 7,40,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar in August 2017 following a military crackdown joining 200,000 refugees already in makeshift tent settlements at Cox's Bazar. Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation deal two years ago, but virtually no refugees have been returned to date. UN investigators described the situation in Myanmar as "unsafe, unsustainable and impossible". "I had said that I would visit once all the Rohingya returned (to Myanmar). Then I would meet them there. Now they (Myanmar) have invited me again. Let's see what can be done," Momen said. He advised Myanmar authorities to come to Bangladesh and talk to Rohingya to understand their expectations. "But I want them to come here and talk to their people (Rohingya) to understand their expectations. It may ease the repatriation," he added.

Myanmar has 'softened' stance following ICJ hearing: Bangladesh foreign minister

Thousands of supporters of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi thronged the streets of the capital Naypyitaw on Saturday to celebrate her arrival back from The Hague, where she defended the country against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-lawyer-to-critics-on-genocide-case-everyone-has-right-to-defence-268202">genocide charges</a>.

The Nobel laureate waved as her black car drove slowly past crowds who waved flags, held up pictures of her face and shouted jubilant greetings.

"Mother Suu went to the court on behalf of the country," local farmer Khin Maung Shwe told Reuters. "Actually the accusation was against the army. But she took the first step of responsibility as a leader of the nation."

Gambia has accused Myanmar of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention over a military campaign that drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. It has asked the International Court of Justice to order "provisional measures" to prevent more harm.

Suu Kyi led a team to the Netherlands for three days of hearings, during which she denied genocide and argued the U.N. court should not have jurisdiction.

"Myanmar requests the court to remove the case from its list," Suu Kyi said on the final day of hearings on Thursday. "In the alternative (the court should) reject the request for provisional measures submitted by the Gambia."

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate's surprise decision to attend the hearings in person has dealt a further blow to her tarnished international reputation.

Suu Kyi was long feted in the West as a champion of human rights and democracy, and was a high-profile political prisoner during 15 years of house arrest for her opposition to Myanmar's then ruling military junta.

But her stance on the Rohingya issue has seen her stripped of many awards, calls for the Nobel committee to revoke her peace prize and strong criticism from former celebrity supporters and other organizations.

At home however, Suu Kyi, the daughter of Myanmar's founding father Aung San, is still revered by many.

The proceedings in the Hague have galvanized supporters, who have staged rallies across the country chanting "Stand with Suu Kyi" and waving flags.

Thousands of supporters of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi thronged the streets of the capital Naypyitaw on Saturday to celebrate her arrival back from The Hague, where she defended the country against genocide charges.

Thousands of supporters of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi thronged the streets of the capital Naypyitaw on Saturday to celebrate her arrival back from The Hague, where she defended the country against genocide charges. The Nobel laureate waved as her black car drove slowly past crowds who waved flags, held up pictures of her face and shouted jubilant greetings. "Mother Suu went to the court on behalf of the country," local farmer Khin Maung Shwe told Reuters. "Actually the accusation was against the army. But she took the first step of responsibility as a leader of the nation." Gambia has accused Myanmar of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention over a military campaign that drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. It has asked the International Court of Justice to order "provisional measures" to prevent more harm. Suu Kyi led a team to the Netherlands for three days of hearings, during which she denied genocide and argued the U.N. court should not have jurisdiction. "Myanmar requests the court to remove the case from its list," Suu Kyi said on the final day of hearings on Thursday. "In the alternative (the court should) reject the request for provisional measures submitted by the Gambia." The Nobel Peace Prize laureate's surprise decision to attend the hearings in person has dealt a further blow to her tarnished international reputation. Suu Kyi was long feted in the West as a champion of human rights and democracy, and was a high-profile political prisoner during 15 years of house arrest for her opposition to Myanmar's then ruling military junta. But her stance on the Rohingya issue has seen her stripped of many awards, calls for the Nobel committee to revoke her peace prize and strong criticism from former celebrity supporters and other organizations. At home however, Suu Kyi, the daughter of Myanmar's founding father Aung San, is still revered by many. The proceedings in the Hague have galvanized supporters, who have staged rallies across the country chanting "Stand with Suu Kyi" and waving flags.

Supporters throng streets as Myanmar leader Suu Kyi returns from The Hague

Canadian lawyer William Schabas, an international scholar on genocide, has been criticised by friend and foe for first researching crimes against the Muslim Rohingya of Myanmar, and now defending the state accused of perpetrating them.

Schabas helped research a report in 2010 on systematic attacks against the Rohingya, which concluded that they met the international threshold of crimes against humanity.

Three years later, in an Al Jazeera documentary, he was filmed saying: "Denying their history, denying the legitimacy of their right to live where they live, these are all warning signs that mean that it's not frivolous to envisage the use of the word genocide."

This week Schabas stood alongside Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi at the International Court of Justice in The Hague and denied genocide&nbsp;took place during a military campaign in 2017 in which thousands were killed and raped and hundreds of thousands displaced.

"William Schabas is basically selling out the Rohingya for some Myanmar gov't $$$. Really the worst sort of behaviour, how totally immoral and two-faced," Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch said on Twitter on Thursday.

In an interview with Reuters, Schabas rejected the criticism.

"I am an international lawyer. I do international law cases," he said at a book launch after three gruelling days in court where he argued the crimes did not constitute genocide.

"Both sides have a right to have competent representation. If people don't understand that, that's not my problem," he said.

Stephen Rapp, a former United States war crimes ambassador who works at the Holocaust museum, was among colleagues who criticised Schabas.

"We have heard this morning from my friend Bill Schabas, I was just with him 10 days ago. I prosecuted genocide, we obtained convictions for this crime. He is wrong about the law: this was a genocide," Rapp told journalists and NGOs in The Hague on Wednesday evening.

In court the following day, Schabas tried to clarify his 2013 remarks in the Al Jazeera documentary "The Hidden Genocide".

Schabas said he was responding to a hypothetical, not the real situation in Myanmar.

"The journalist persistently tried to get me to apply the word genocide ... And I just as persistently refused, cause I've never said that genocide was taking place in Myanmar."

No genocide denialist

In the Reuters interview, Schabas also countered criticism of his views about the events in Srebrenica, Bosnia, when around 8,000 Muslim men and boys were massacred by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995.

"He, frankly, doesn't think Srebrenica was (genocide) and that was found by the courts (to be genocide)," said Rapp. "The position he takes on genocide is in my view entirely too restrictive".

Schabas said he has accepted that Srebrenica was genocide.

"I am not arguing with anybody about whether genocide took place in Srebrenica. That has been decided. That train has left the station and the fact that I had an opinion about it before the decisions were reached seems to me to be quite normal and understandable," he said.

His distinct interpretation of the crime of genocide has led some people to call him a genocide denialist, a criticism he rebuffed.

"If you discuss genocide and you suggest that this probably doesn't fit the definition of international law, very quickly some people say you are denying, they say you're denying genocide, as if you're, you know, a Nazi sympathizer whose claiming that Auschwitz didn't exist, which most of the time is not the case.

"Your old debate about Srebrenica was not whether it happened or not, it's not about that. It's about whether the legal qualification should be crimes against humanity rather than genocide," Schabas said.

Defending a party accused of genocide is never going to be a popular job, said Sareta Ashraph, an international lawyer who believes genocide in Myanmar is ongoing.

"For him a genocide has to involve a substantial number of dead, he relies on body count," she said. "I think he's actually the perfect person for that case, although I disagree with his arguments. It's not an absurd argument, it's just very, very conservative on genocidal intent".

"What he is saying is that what is being described (in Myanmar) is crimes against humanity, not genocide," Ashraph said.

In 2015, Schabas was forced to resign as the head of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Gaza Conflict after a complaint from Israel about his prior work for the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

UN Watch director Hillel Neuer said he told Schabas at the time that he "had breached his duty of impartiality as head of the UN Human Rights Council inquiry" because he had made prejudicial statements "including his call to indict Israel’s prime minister as his 'favourite' defendant ..."

Genocide, Schabas said, is a subject of great sensitivity to people "and the debates can be not only quite robust, but people get angry very quickly."

He said his decision to stand in Myanmar's corner was not emotional, but professional. "I am hired as a lawyer, they're my client." 
&nbsp;

Canadian lawyer William Schabas, an international scholar on genocide, has been criticised by friend and foe for first researching crimes against the Muslim Rohingya of Myanmar, and now defending the state accused of perpetrating them.

Canadian lawyer William Schabas, an international scholar on genocide, has been criticised by friend and foe for first researching crimes against the Muslim Rohingya of Myanmar, and now defending the state accused of perpetrating them. Schabas helped research a report in 2010 on systematic attacks against the Rohingya, which concluded that they met the international threshold of crimes against humanity. Three years later, in an Al Jazeera documentary, he was filmed saying: "Denying their history, denying the legitimacy of their right to live where they live, these are all warning signs that mean that it's not frivolous to envisage the use of the word genocide." This week Schabas stood alongside Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi at the International Court of Justice in The Hague and denied genocide took place during a military campaign in 2017 in which thousands were killed and raped and hundreds of thousands displaced. "William Schabas is basically selling out the Rohingya for some Myanmar gov't $$$. Really the worst sort of behaviour, how totally immoral and two-faced," Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch said on Twitter on Thursday. In an interview with Reuters, Schabas rejected the criticism. "I am an international lawyer. I do international law cases," he said at a book launch after three gruelling days in court where he argued the crimes did not constitute genocide. "Both sides have a right to have competent representation. If people don't understand that, that's not my problem," he said. Stephen Rapp, a former United States war crimes ambassador who works at the Holocaust museum, was among colleagues who criticised Schabas. "We have heard this morning from my friend Bill Schabas, I was just with him 10 days ago. I prosecuted genocide, we obtained convictions for this crime. He is wrong about the law: this was a genocide," Rapp told journalists and NGOs in The Hague on Wednesday evening. In court the following day, Schabas tried to clarify his 2013 remarks in the Al Jazeera documentary "The Hidden Genocide". Schabas said he was responding to a hypothetical, not the real situation in Myanmar. "The journalist persistently tried to get me to apply the word genocide ... And I just as persistently refused, cause I've never said that genocide was taking place in Myanmar." No genocide denialist In the Reuters interview, Schabas also countered criticism of his views about the events in Srebrenica, Bosnia, when around 8,000 Muslim men and boys were massacred by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995. "He, frankly, doesn't think Srebrenica was (genocide) and that was found by the courts (to be genocide)," said Rapp. "The position he takes on genocide is in my view entirely too restrictive". Schabas said he has accepted that Srebrenica was genocide. "I am not arguing with anybody about whether genocide took place in Srebrenica. That has been decided. That train has left the station and the fact that I had an opinion about it before the decisions were reached seems to me to be quite normal and understandable," he said. His distinct interpretation of the crime of genocide has led some people to call him a genocide denialist, a criticism he rebuffed. "If you discuss genocide and you suggest that this probably doesn't fit the definition of international law, very quickly some people say you are denying, they say you're denying genocide, as if you're, you know, a Nazi sympathizer whose claiming that Auschwitz didn't exist, which most of the time is not the case. "Your old debate about Srebrenica was not whether it happened or not, it's not about that. It's about whether the legal qualification should be crimes against humanity rather than genocide," Schabas said. Defending a party accused of genocide is never going to be a popular job, said Sareta Ashraph, an international lawyer who believes genocide in Myanmar is ongoing. "For him a genocide has to involve a substantial number of dead, he relies on body count," she said. "I think he's actually the perfect person for that case, although I disagree with his arguments. It's not an absurd argument, it's just very, very conservative on genocidal intent". "What he is saying is that what is being described (in Myanmar) is crimes against humanity, not genocide," Ashraph said. In 2015, Schabas was forced to resign as the head of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Gaza Conflict after a complaint from Israel about his prior work for the Palestine Liberation Organisation. UN Watch director Hillel Neuer said he told Schabas at the time that he "had breached his duty of impartiality as head of the UN Human Rights Council inquiry" because he had made prejudicial statements "including his call to indict Israel’s prime minister as his 'favourite' defendant ..." Genocide, Schabas said, is a subject of great sensitivity to people "and the debates can be not only quite robust, but people get angry very quickly." He said his decision to stand in Myanmar's corner was not emotional, but professional. "I am hired as a lawyer, they're my client."

Everyone has right to defence: Myanmar's lawyer to critics on genocide case

The Nobel peace prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has defended Myanmar’s government against accusations of genocide at the international court of justice (ICJ), calling the allegations an “incomplete and misleading factual picture of the situation in Rakhine state”.

Violence in Rakhine state centuries old, says Aung San Suu Kyi

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 12, 2019

Dozens of Rohingya Muslims appeared in a Myanmar court on Wednesday (December 11) to face charges of travelling illegally after they were arrested while fleeing persecution, as leader Aung San Suu Kyi defended the country against accusations of genocide against the minority at The Hague.

Fleeing Rohingya on trial in Myanmar for 'illegal travel'

Since August 2017, nearly 7,00,000 Rohingyas have fled the destruction of their homes and persecution in the Rakhine province of Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh.

Known as the 'world's most persecuted minority', the plight of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people is said to be the world's fastest-growing refugee crisis.

International pressure seems to be building on Myanmar over its brutal crackdown on the Rohingyas, first at the International Court of Justice, and now from the United States.

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on four senior officers of the Myanmar Army, freezing any American assets that the sanctioned men may possess.

Those sanctioned include the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Army - Min Aung Hlaing who is a potential presidential candidate in 2020, his Deputy - Soe Win, and the leaders of two light infantry divisions.

The Treasury Department accuses the army men of leading a brutal purge against the Rohingyas, accusing them of encouraging mass killings and rapes against the ethnic minority.

There are specific charges against the two subordinate officers.

Than oo, who headed the 99th infantry division has been accused of herding hundreds of men, women and children to a riverbank and then mercilessly executing them in 2017.

Aung headed the 33rd light infantry division and is charged with executing over a 100 people in a single operation in august 2017.

The four men who have been sanctioned were earlier barred from entering the United States but that was the extent of American outrage.

Many experts feel that these sanctions are a bit too late, especially considering the seriousness of the crimes.

It is also important to note these sanctions do not target military-owned companies that dominate Myanmar's economy and had funded the Rohingya genocide in 2017.

Since August 2017, nearly 7,00,000 Rohingyas have fled the destruction of their homes and persecution in the Rakhine province of Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh.

Since August 2017, nearly 7,00,000 Rohingyas have fled the destruction of their homes and persecution in the Rakhine province of Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh. Known as the 'world's most persecuted minority', the plight of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people is said to be the world's fastest-growing refugee crisis. International pressure seems to be building on Myanmar over its brutal crackdown on the Rohingyas, first at the International Court of Justice, and now from the United States. The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on four senior officers of the Myanmar Army, freezing any American assets that the sanctioned men may possess. Those sanctioned include the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Army - Min Aung Hlaing who is a potential presidential candidate in 2020, his Deputy - Soe Win, and the leaders of two light infantry divisions. The Treasury Department accuses the army men of leading a brutal purge against the Rohingyas, accusing them of encouraging mass killings and rapes against the ethnic minority. There are specific charges against the two subordinate officers. Than oo, who headed the 99th infantry division has been accused of herding hundreds of men, women and children to a riverbank and then mercilessly executing them in 2017. Aung headed the 33rd light infantry division and is charged with executing over a 100 people in a single operation in august 2017. The four men who have been sanctioned were earlier barred from entering the United States but that was the extent of American outrage. Many experts feel that these sanctions are a bit too late, especially considering the seriousness of the crimes. It is also important to note these sanctions do not target military-owned companies that dominate Myanmar's economy and had funded the Rohingya genocide in 2017.

Myanmar Rohingya: World's fastest growing refugee crisis

Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi will defend her country from accusations of genocide against the Rohingya community at the United Nation's top court.

Aung San Suu Kyi to defend Myanmar at ICJ

Its a shocking turn of events for Aung San Suu Kyi. Once considered a peace icon - Myanmar's leader was today at the International Court of Justice to defend her country against charges of Genocide.

Gravitas: San Suu Kyi's fall from grace: Myanmar Leader denies genocide charge

Since August 2017 nearly 700,000 Rohingyas have fled the destruction of their homes in persecution in the Rakhain province of Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh. Known as the world's most persecuted minority the plight of Rohingyas is said to be the world's fastest growing refugee crisis. Watch report:

Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest growing refugee crisis

Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi today defended Myanmar's military actions against Muslims. #WION #Myanmar #Fineprint

Fineprint: Aung San Suu Kyi defends Myanmar at ICJ

Nearly 100 Rohingya appeared in a Myanmar court Wednesday after being arrested for trying to flee persecution, their lawyer said, as leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/incomplete-and-misleading-suu-kyi-at-un-court-while-referring-to-accusations-of-rohingya-genocide-267647">Aung San Suu Kyi</a> addressed the UN's top court to deny allegations of a genocidal campaign against the ethnic minority.

One-by-one, the weary detainees stepped down from a police van at the courthouse in the western Myanmar city of Pathein.

Their crime was to leave their home townships without permission from authorities.

Rohingya in Rakhine state live under tight restrictions with little access to healthcare, education or livelihoods in conditions Amnesty International brands as "apartheid".

For years Rohingya have taken to boats, trains and buses in attempts to get out, risking everything in the process.

The 95 people, including 25 children, each paid several hundred dollars for a chance at a better life, lawyer Thazin Myat Myat Win told AFP.

"Some even sold their labour in advance" to pay the broker fees, she added.

Instead, they likely face two years in prison for violating the immigration act.

'Apartheid' conditions&nbsp;

They were arrested November 29 after travelling by boat from Rakhine to a southern beach where buses were waiting to take them to the commercial capital Yangon.

Their court appearance came as former rights icon Suu Kyi denied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-told-to-stop-the-genocide-in-united-nations-court-over-rohingya-crisis-267445">"genocidal intent"</a> in her defence of Myanmar's military operation against the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On Tuesday the Nobel Peace Prize laureate sat through gruesome testimony of the violence suffered by Rohingya in the bloody military crackdown in 2017 that forced some 740,000 to flee to Bangladesh.

The Gambia, on behalf of dozens of Muslim countries, accuses Buddhist-majority Myanmar of genocide.

The West African state is calling for provisional measures to halt the ongoing persecution suffered by Rohingya in Rakhine.

Some 600,000 remain confined in Myanmar camps and villages, unable to leave without permission.

Many have tried to escape over the years to Thailand or Malaysia, often paying extortionate fees to human traffickers for places on overcrowded, decrepit boats.

'We are helpless'

The next hearing for the detained <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">Rohingya in Pathein</a> will be December 20.

They are the third group in recent months to be caught, arrested and put on trial in their attempt to flee Rakhine.

To the outrage of rights groups, the children and teenagers have so far been sent to a detention centre while one five-year-old child was imprisoned with his mother and the rest of the group.

All 52 people were sentenced to two years behind bars.

"Myanmar authorities should urgently&nbsp;free Rohingya jailed for exercising their right to freedom of movement," said John Quinley from Fortify Rights.

He cited the arrests as an example of continued efforts by the government to destroy the Rohingya.

"The International Court of Justice should issue provisional measures to stop the ongoing persecution and violence."

The Rohingya garner little sympathy within Myanmar, where many people buy the official line that the minority are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even though many trace their roots back generations.

"We are helpless. We've been here eight years and have no jobs," one Rohingya man from Thetkalpyin camp told AFP by phone.

"We hope she (Suu Kyi) will do her best to reveal the truth and solve our problems."

Nearly 100 Rohingya appeared in a Myanmar court Wednesday after being arrested for trying to flee persecution, their lawyer said, as leader Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the UN's top court to deny allegations of a genocidal campaign against the ethnic minority.

Nearly 100 Rohingya appeared in a Myanmar court Wednesday after being arrested for trying to flee persecution, their lawyer said, as leader Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the UN's top court to deny allegations of a genocidal campaign against the ethnic minority. One-by-one, the weary detainees stepped down from a police van at the courthouse in the western Myanmar city of Pathein. Their crime was to leave their home townships without permission from authorities. Rohingya in Rakhine state live under tight restrictions with little access to healthcare, education or livelihoods in conditions Amnesty International brands as "apartheid". For years Rohingya have taken to boats, trains and buses in attempts to get out, risking everything in the process. The 95 people, including 25 children, each paid several hundred dollars for a chance at a better life, lawyer Thazin Myat Myat Win told AFP. "Some even sold their labour in advance" to pay the broker fees, she added. Instead, they likely face two years in prison for violating the immigration act. 'Apartheid' conditions They were arrested November 29 after travelling by boat from Rakhine to a southern beach where buses were waiting to take them to the commercial capital Yangon. Their court appearance came as former rights icon Suu Kyi denied "genocidal intent" in her defence of Myanmar's military operation against the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). On Tuesday the Nobel Peace Prize laureate sat through gruesome testimony of the violence suffered by Rohingya in the bloody military crackdown in 2017 that forced some 740,000 to flee to Bangladesh. The Gambia, on behalf of dozens of Muslim countries, accuses Buddhist-majority Myanmar of genocide. The West African state is calling for provisional measures to halt the ongoing persecution suffered by Rohingya in Rakhine. Some 600,000 remain confined in Myanmar camps and villages, unable to leave without permission. Many have tried to escape over the years to Thailand or Malaysia, often paying extortionate fees to human traffickers for places on overcrowded, decrepit boats. 'We are helpless' The next hearing for the detained Rohingya in Pathein will be December 20. They are the third group in recent months to be caught, arrested and put on trial in their attempt to flee Rakhine. To the outrage of rights groups, the children and teenagers have so far been sent to a detention centre while one five-year-old child was imprisoned with his mother and the rest of the group. All 52 people were sentenced to two years behind bars. "Myanmar authorities should urgently free Rohingya jailed for exercising their right to freedom of movement," said John Quinley from Fortify Rights. He cited the arrests as an example of continued efforts by the government to destroy the Rohingya. "The International Court of Justice should issue provisional measures to stop the ongoing persecution and violence." The Rohingya garner little sympathy within Myanmar, where many people buy the official line that the minority are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even though many trace their roots back generations. "We are helpless. We've been here eight years and have no jobs," one Rohingya man from Thetkalpyin camp told AFP by phone. "We hope she (Suu Kyi) will do her best to reveal the truth and solve our problems."

95 Rohingya in Myanmar face jail as UN hears 'genocide' case

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