Myanmar hosts first regional meeting since coup

• Myanmar’s military government hosted the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation group meeting with China’s Foreign Minister and counterparts from Mekong Delta nations.

The meeting

• Countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam
• Theme: “Solidarity for Peace and Prosperity”
• Location: Bagan (Myanmar), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Significance: Presence of Foreign Ministers was recognition of Myanmar’s sovereignty and its government.

Lancang-Mekong Cooperation group

• Chinese led initiative that includes countries of Mekong Delta.
• Mekong delta: Source of regional tensions due to increasing no. of hydroelectric projects that are altering the flow and raising concerns of ecological damage.

China and Myanmar

• China is Myanmar’s biggest trading partner and an old ally.
• Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Myanmar’s mines, oil and gas pipelines and other infrastructure.
• A major arms supplier.

Prelims take away

• Lancang-Mekong Cooperation group
• Mekong river - drainage, tributaries etc.
• Location Based Questions