Fri Oct 03 13:44:45 UTC 2025: **Headline: Aung San Suu Kyi’s Son Appeals to Xi Jinping for Mother’s Release**

**Beijing – October 3, 2025:** Kim Aris, the son of imprisoned Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has made a direct appeal to Chinese President Xi Jinping to intervene for his mother’s release. The 48-year-old, who has largely remained outside of politics, expressed growing concern for the 80-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate’s health, citing reports of heart problems and “horrendous” prison conditions.

“I appeal to President Xi Jinping to call for her release and to do more to put pressure on the junta … to make sure that those who should be freed are freed,” Aris told the South China Morning Post. He believes China, despite the current political climate in Myanmar, is sympathetic to Suu Kyi’s plight. “China has been calling for May May’s [Suu Kyi’s] release, according to my sources.” He added that Chinese officials have repeatedly requested access to Suu Kyi but have been denied.

Suu Kyi, who served as State Counsellor of Myanmar from 2016 to 2021, was ousted in a military coup in 2021 and has been imprisoned since. Before the coup, she cultivated a strong relationship with China, prioritizing the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and other Belt and Road Initiative projects. President Xi Jinping met with Suu Kyi in 2020, solidifying agreements on key infrastructure developments.

Aris believes his mother had a “better relationship with China” compared to the current junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing. He emphasized the previous productive working relationship between the NLD and China.

China remains a significant investor in Myanmar, pouring billions into the country. The appeal from Suu Kyi’s son puts added pressure on Beijing to balance its economic interests with its stance on human rights and political stability in the region. The international community is watching closely to see how China will respond.

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