The Chinese Communist Party, inviting the National League for Democracy, puts an age limit of 60 on delegates. And the Lady is 67. Beijing’s revenge for losing its economic monopoly on Myanmar, following the democratic openness of the country.

Yangon (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Chinese Communist Party has ruled out any visit by Aung San Suu Kyi to China because she is over 60. In accepting a first visit by her party, the National League for Democracy (Ndl), Beijing set a limit that the representatives be no more than 60.

Han Thar Myint, a member of the NLD Executive Committee, who organized the trip, set for next week, explained that "the invitation stated fact that the delegates must be under 60 years. Aung San Suu Kyi is 67 years old now, so can not go".

This refusal to allow Suu Kyi visit has sparked speculation and criticism. She is an icon of democracy and thanks to her Myanmar has set out towards a more liberal system, limiting the power of the military junta, always supported by Beijing with weapons and economic aid.

Under the junta dictatorship, China had become the nations' largest trading partner, accused of pillaging the mineral wealth, water and forests of Myanmar. The democratic openings of recent years have removed China's monopoly on Myanmar, opening the market to the rest of the international community.

"This is why the Lady is like a red rag to a bull to Beijing" - a source tells AsiaNews .

In recent times, perhaps driven by realism, Aung San Suu Kyi has eased criticism of China and Chinese investment. Last March, for example, she and the NLD spoke out in favor of a copper mine in Monywa, managed by Beijing, even if there had been land grabs and neglect of the environment, reported by locals.

 

• CHINA
• -
• MYANMAR
• aung
• san
• suu
• kyi
• democacy
• economy
• trade