Burma seeks to repair China ties after dam project suspension

Burma  vice-president Tin Aung Myint Oo will visit China to soothe tensions after the suspension of a $3.6 billion Chinese-backed dam in the country, reports the Financial Times.

Last week's surprise decision to suspend construction of the Myitsone Dam - which the government said was based on public opposition to the project - underscores growing anti-China sentiment in the country and could be a
warning sign for other Chinese interests in Burma, analysts warn.

The suspension of the dam project by Burma's authoritarian government came after rare demonstrations in Rangoon and was welcomed by de facto opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and
others as a sign of reform in the country.

China Power Investment described the Burmese government decision as "very bewildering" and said a large amount of money had already been spent on construction preparation.

"If suspension means construction halt, then it will lead to a series of legal issues," said CPI president Lu Qizhou.