The Prime Minister of Burma, General Khin Nyunt, has met his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, at the start of a one-week visit to China.
Mr. Wen held a round of talks with General Nyunt Monday in Beijing before the two leaders signed a series of bilateral agreements. Mr. Wen expressed hope that Burma will, in his words, "accelerate political reconciliation and the democratic process."
Burma has incurred international criticism -- primarily from Western countries -- over the continued detention of opposition leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Burma and have repeatedly demanded Aung San Suu Kyi's release.