Myanmar’s Military Chief told a visiting senior Chinese official that he hoped China would further promote its stand on political reforms in Myanmar and foster good relations between political forces, the public and ethnic groups in the country. Song Tao, the head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, visited Myanmar last week. “The Communist Party of China emphasizes relations with the Myanmar Tatmadaw,” he said, according to the military-run Myawady Daily. He also met former military supreme leader Senior-General Than Shwe, the State Counsellor, former President U Thein Sein,  senior NLD figure U Win Htein and representatives of the USDP. During the meeting, the senior general called on China to provide assistance necessary for Myanmar’s development. Beijing has played a key role in Myanmar’s internal security affairs and in peace negotiations with ethnic armed groups. China has both a direct and indirect influence on the dynamics of conflict and peace in northern Myanmar.