On February 18, 2008, Vice Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi met with Ibrahim Gambari, the special advisor to the UN Secretary-General on the Myanmar issue.

Wang said China closely watches the situation in Myanmar and hopes the country can maintain stability, development, democracy and harmony. "The current situation in Myanmar is moving forward," Wang said, adding China welcomed the southeast Asian country's seven step road map and timetable. The Myanmar issue involved complicated elements and its solution only depends on the country's government and people through dialogue. The international community could provide constructive assistance; however, imposing pressure and sanctions couldn't solve the problem, Wang said. China supports mediation by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban and Gambari, Wang said.

Gambari briefed Wang about his recent visits to relevant countries and his consideration about the next step towards a solution. He said it is a process of mediation for the Myanmar issue, and he will continuously make active efforts for it on the precondition of fully respecting the country's sovereignty.

On the same day, Chinese Assistant Foreign Ministers He Yafei and Liu Jieyi met or held talks with Gambari respectively.