TOKYO -- Japan has continued plying Myanmar with economic aid even as the Southeast Asian nation's treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority has stirred international backlash, choosing the threat of condemnation over the risk of China taking over as the preferred partner.
Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Saturday became the first foreign cabinet official to tour Myanmar's western state of Rakhine, home to a large Rohingya population, since the humanitarian crisis there began. Japan will continue supporting efforts by Myanmar to resettle displaced persons in the area, Kono said. This came the day after he met with State Counselor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi and announced $23 million in fresh aid.
