China pledged to continue to foster friendly ties with Myanmar and bolster economic relations as Foreign Minister Wang Yi became the highest ranking official from Beijing to visit the country since last year's coup.

"China appreciates Myanmar's firm China-friendly policy, supports the people of Myanmar in exploring a development path in line with their national conditions and supports Myanmar in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and national dignity in international forums," Wang told his Myanmese counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry on Sunday.

Beijing has sought close relations with Myanmar, regardless of the government of the day, and Wang is expected to chair the foreign ministers' meeting of the Beijing-led Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism on Monday.

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The government-in-exile has criticised China's inclusion of the junta in the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, and has criticised Wang's visit for lending legitimacy to the junta. It has previously urged Beijing to "take action to help reinstate ... the legitimate government elected by the people of Myanmar".

Speaking on Friday, the day before Wang arrived in Bagan, Major General Zaw Min Tun, the junta's deputy information minister, said the visit was a recognition of Myanmar's military rulers, which overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi last February.

Wunna Maung Lwin told Wang that he appreciated "China's selfless assistance to Myanmar's national development", according to the statement by the Chinese foreign ministry.

He said he would continue to support China's position on issues such as human rights, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang - all areas that have prompted criticism from the West.

Chinese foreign ministry statements tend to emphasise statements supporting China's policies by foreign officials and Myanmar has yet to issue its own account of the meeting.

The ministers also agreed to speed up delayed projects along the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a project that forms part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, set up a cross-border electricity grid, ensure the smooth operation of the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline and increase bilateral trade cooperation, the statement continued.