China hopes that the second and third phases of Myanmar's 2025 multi-party democratic general election will go smoothly, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Lin made the statement in response to a media query regarding the general election in Myanmar.
"The first phase of the national election in Myanmar was held on Dec. 28. The Chinese observation group, along with representatives from relevant countries and international organizations, witnessed the process on site. The voting process was generally smooth and orderly, and the election was successfully launched. We hope that the subsequent second and third phases of voting will also proceed smoothly, contributing to cooling down the situation in Myanmar, returning the political landscape to the right track, achieving broader and more stable peace and reconciliation, and restoring national stability and development at an early date," he said.
The 2025 general election in Myanmar is being held in three phases. The second and third voting phases are scheduled for Jan. 11 and Jan. 25, 2026, respectively.
The election will cover 692 constituencies nationwide, with about 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties competing for seats in three parliaments. According to the Union Election Commission, 21,517 polling stations have been set up across the country.
Final election results are expected to be announced after the completion of all voting phases.
China wishes smooth general election for Myanmar
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states should be respected, and civilians and non-military targets must receive the necessary protection.
The safety of shipping lanes, as well as energy and infrastructure facilities, should also be safeguarded, said Wang during a phone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul over the current situation in the Middle East.
The current situation in Iran is severe and complex, and has a serious impact on global economic, energy and food security, Wadephul said, noting that ending the conflict as soon as possible is in the common interests of the international community.
Germany supports the United Nations in playing its due role and attaches importance to the five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region that was put forward by China and Pakistan, said the minister, adding that his country is ready to continue to maintain communication and cooperation with China. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, elaborated on China's principled position, saying that the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran were not authorized by the UN Security Council and clearly violated international law.
As responsible major countries, China and Germany should uphold an objective and impartial stance, play a constructive role, and promote the quick calming of the war and the restoration of regional peace and stability, Wang said.
During the phone conversation, the two sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations and agreed to implement the outcomes of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to China, enhance strategic communication, increase strategic mutual trust, and promote greater development of the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany.
Chinese FM urges respect for Gulf states' sovereignty, protection of civilians and shipping lanes
