Burma, China seek trade boost

Soe Win is likely to receive support from one of Burma's few friends

The Burmese Prime Minister, General Soe Win, is visiting China on Tuesday for talks expected to focus on trade.

Beijing remains the main political and economic ally of the isolated military regime in Rangoon.

Burma has also been seeking to boost ties with China's traditional rival, India, which has sent senior military officials to Rangoon in recent weeks.

Burma's ruling junta has been accused of gross human rights abuses and targeted by EU and US sanctions.

Analysts say Burma and China are likely to announce further economic co-operation in areas such as gas, timber and infrastructure projects.

Beijing is keen on access to untapped Burmese energy reserves and the country's strategic location on the Indian Ocean, our correspondent adds.

Burma's other powerful neighbour, India, also seeks business in Burma.

There have been reports in the Indian and exiled Burmese opposition press that Delhi has done a deal to sell military hardware it no longer wants to Rangoon.