By Global Times
In late June, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang
Yi met in Beijing with Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor U Kyaw
Tint Swe of Myanmar and Bangladesh Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali. The three
sides exchanged frank views about solving the Rohingya issue and reached
understanding on four points.
The common understanding on the four points is a
continuation of the three-phase proposal put forward by China to address the
issue. The proposal, which can be accepted by both Myanmar and Bangladesh, is
aimed at playing a constructive role in resolving the conflict.
The Rohingya issue is complicated and solving it is
arduous. In the near term, security in Rakhine state of Myanmar needs to be
restored, bringing back peace and tranquility. In the medium term, a plausible
solution should be offered to settle down Rohingya refugees. In the long run,
the Rohingya issue should be resolved and the root cause of conflict between
different ethnic groups in Rakhine state should be eradicated.
In this context, China's three-phase proposal will
fundamentally solve the issue. The first phase is about ceasefire and
restoration of social order to bring back stability and a safe environment for
the local people. The direct cause for the exodus of Rohingyas is unrest and
insecurity in the state.
In the second phase, Bangladesh and Myanmar are
encouraged to talk to find a feasible approach to sort out checking,
repatriation and reception of refugees, during which the international
community should play a facilitating role.
The third phase, which is the most difficult one,
involves eradicating the root cause of the Rohingya crisis while ensuring the
development of the region. The crisis is closely linked with Rakhine's poverty
and competition between ethnic groups for resources. Therefore, development is
the key.
The implementation of the three-phase solution requires
talks between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The solution not only details the
process, but also clarifies the role of the international community. In this
sense, it has provided a suitable condition for the two countries to resolve
the issue.
The four points on which an understanding has been
reached are: "Immediately improve the situation in Rakhine State through
stopping violence-repatriation-development; the priority at this stage is to
repatriate refugees to Myanmar from Bangladesh, and take concrete measures to
realize the repatriation; based on the two countries' wishes, China is willing
to provide assistance in resettling them, which includes emergency assistance
and reconstruction; boost cooperation in developing the border areas between
Myanmar and Bangladesh, and improve the living standards of locals."
Among them, the three-phase plan of stopping
violence-repatriation-development has been mentioned again and continues to be
agreed upon by Myanmar and Bangladesh. The four points of consensus show the
determination of the three countries to push forward this plan.
China will not be a bystander, but has categorically said
that it will provide emergency assistance and help in reconstruction. This is
the role China should play as a neighbor of both Myanmar and Bangladesh. It
also shows that Beijing tries to shoulder responsibility in international
affairs.
Currently, Myanmar and Bangladesh are working on the
second phase. The two have reached an agreement on refugee reception and
verification. But given the pressure of Western opinion and complexity of the
situation in Rakhine, they have not made satisfactory progress.
The achievements made in giving effect to the four points
may become vital in the evolution of the Rakhine issue. They will help Myanmar
and Bangladesh win humanitarian assistance and moral support of the
international community. But the international community should also realize the
difficulties and time-consuming process of resolving the Rakhine issue and
provide necessary assistance.