Than Shwe, whose regime has drawn international condemnation for its human rights record and political repression, arrived in China Tuesday for a four-day visit that will also include visits to Shanghai and the country's south.

Rumours surfaced last month in the isolated state that the 77-year-old junta chief -- in power since 1992 -- had retired as part of a major military reshuffle, but his trip to China showed he was still leading the army.

Than Shwe told Chinese President Hu Jintao at the start of their talks that he hoped to "further promote the already existing neighbourly friendship, mutual cooperation and trust between the two countries" during his visit.

Hu, noting that 2010 marked the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations, said he too hoped the meeting in the Great Hall of the People would help boost ties and "mutual cooperation between neighbours".

While the West has slapped Myanmar with sanctions and criticised plans for its first election in 20 years in November, China is the junta's main trading partner and a top investor in its sizeable natural resources.

On Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu cautioned the world not to meddle in the upcoming polls, which have been dismissed by activists and the West as a charade to solidify the junta's power.

She said China hopes "the international community can provide constructive help" for the polls and "refrain from any negative impact on the domestic political process of Myanmar and on regional peace and stability".

Jiang called the election an "important step in proceeding with democracy".

Than Shwe -- who rarely travels abroad, apart from trips to Singapore for medical check-ups -- was to meet Premier Wen Jiabao and other senior Chinese leaders in Beijing Thursday before heading to Shanghai to visit the World Expo.

The Myanmar strongman was also to visit the southern Chinese boomtown of Shenzhen on the border with Hong Kong before heading home on Saturday.

China has long helped to keep Myanmar afloat through trade ties, arms sales, and by shielding it from UN sanctions over rights abuses as a veto-wielding member of the Security Council.

In return, China is assured of a stable neighbour and access to raw materials such as teak and gems from Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962.

Ties frayed last year when fighting between junta forces and rebel ethnic armies drove tens of thousands of refugees over the border into China, which issued a rare admonishment to Myanmar.

But in November, China's top oil producer began construction of a pipeline across Myanmar.

And last week two Chinese warships made a rare visit to the Southeast Asian country, which Beijing's state media said was aimed at promoting ties between the allies' armed forces.

A senior Chinese army official on Tuesday emphasised the "great importance" of bilateral military ties, according to Xinhua news agency.

Human Rights Watch has urged China to press Myanmar on the election issue, saying Beijing's policy towards the junta is "inconsistent with its claims to be a responsible power".

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