BEIJING, April 25 -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi said Beijing will "firmly support" Myanmar in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, in a meeting with junta chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing.

Wang has been on a three-country visit to South-east Asia this week, travelling to Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar, seeking to strengthen ties in the face of "risks" and present Beijing as a more stable alternative to the United States.

Beijing supports Myanmar "in forging a successful development path that aligns with its national conditions and enjoys the support of its people", Wang told Min Aung Hlaing during a visit to capital Naypyidaw, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout published late Saturday.

"As this year ...