Myanmar apologizes to China for warplane bombing in Yunnan

World Today

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) holds talks with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Beijing, capital of China, April 2, 2015. U Wunna Maung Lwin is paying a visit to China as Myanmar President U Thein Sein’s special envoy. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING — Myanmar apologized to China on Thursday over a Myanmar warplane bombing that killed five Chinese in Lincang of southwest China’s Yunnan Province.

“On behalf of the Myanmar government and military, I officially apologize to China and express my deep sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured,” Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin said during talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

The foreign minister is visiting China as Myanmar’s President U Thein Sein’s special envoy to discuss the aftermath of the bombing, which killed five villagers and injured eight others on March 13 in a sugarcane field.

According to U Wunna Maung Lwin, Myanmar recognizes the conclusion of the joint investigation, which said the Myanmar warplane bombing caused the death of the Chinese on the border.

“Myanamr is willing to keep in touch with China over compensation for the victims and injured and make proper arrangement,” he said. “Myanmar will ensure those involved in the incident are accountable for and published in accordance with law, strengthen domestic management to prevent similar incidents from happening.”

Wang said both sides have had a clear understanding of the incident and those who should be accountable for after the joint investigation and rounds of talks. He urged Myanmar to take this incident seriously and properly deal with it so as to protect the overall bilateral ties.

Both foreign ministers agreed to work to maintain stability on the border and to develop China-Myanmar comprehensive strategic partnership.

Story complied from Xinhua News.