China conveys birthday wishes to jailed Suu Kyi

The International Department of the Communist Party of China sent a birthday message to Myanmar’s jailed democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, conveying wishes for her good health and well-being, reports The Irrawaddy citing a statement released by the National League for Democracy (NLD) on Friday.

Several governments and scores of international rights groups also called for Suu Kyi's freedom, alongside the unconditional release of all political prisoners, to mark the civilian leader's 81st birthday on 19 June.

The NLD expressed its gratitude to the governments and rights groups for their birthday wishes, as well as for their “steadfast support and solidarity” with the civilian leader.

The ousted party also extended special appreciation to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for its message, referring to the CCP as a longstanding friend of the democracy leader.

Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested by the military in the early hours of the February 2021 coup. She is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence handed down by the regime after convicting her on multiple charges. The junta has also kept her exact whereabouts and health condition undisclosed.