China\\\'s Xi holds talks with Myanmar president

BEIJING, June 27 (AFP): Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar's leader Thein Sein held talks Friday as the relationship between the Asian giant and the longtime international pariah adapts to dramatic political changes.

The two shook hands outside the Great Hall of the People and inspected an honour guard as Thein Sein-a former general-was given full military honours.

Xi noted the four-day trip is Thein Sein's fifth visit to China and third official journey.

"This fully demonstrates the importance you place on developing China-Myanmar relations," Xi said.

Beijing was a traditional supporter of Myanmar for decades when the resource-rich Southeast Asian country was diplomatically isolated as human rights suffered under military rule.

Myanmar's ruling generals were shielded from some international criticism by China's economic might and its UN Security Council veto.

China in turn had access to Myanmar's abundant natural resources such as metals, timber and gemstones, as well as involvement in numerous hydropower projects.