China's ambassador to Myanmar has held talks with democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the opposition National League for Democracy, Beijing said o n Thursday.

China also said that State Councilor Dai Bingguo, the top official on foreign affairs, would go to Myanmar for meetings next week, after a landmark visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to China's longtime ally.

"The Chinese ambassador met with (Suu Kyi) in response to her request and listened to her opinions," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin, offering no details about what the two discussed.

"Based on the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, the Chinese side engages in contact with all sectors of society," Liu told a regular press conference.

Suu Kyi was freed in November last year after seven years of house arrest, and authorities gave the green light on Tuesday for her previously banned opposition NLD party to rejoin mainstream politics as a registered party.

Myanmar's leadership has long counted on China as its main supporter but the new government has rolled out a series of reformist measures as the former generals who dominate it have sought to reach out to political opponents and the West.

China is also Myanmar's biggest foreign investor, buying up vast amounts of oil, gas and timber as it offers unwavering diplomatic support.

But some projects have caused resentment in Myanmar, due to environmental damage and the displacement of populations.

In a surprise decision in September, Myanmar's new President Thein Sein ordered work on the huge $3.6 billion Chinese-backed Myitsone Dam to stop due to local pressure -- sparking anger in Beijing.

Clinton this month became the top US official in more than 50 years to visit Myanmar, also known as Burma, as she sought to encourage reforms by the government which has opened talks with the opposition and ethnic minorities.

Suu Kyi tried at the time to ease China's concerns over the trip, saying as she appeared next to Clinton in Yangon that she hoped Myanmar would have "friendly relations" with its giant neighbour.

China's foreign ministry did not say when the meeting between the ambassador and Suu Kyi took place.

In the days running up to the Clinton visit, China repeatedly said that it welcomed increased engagement between Myanmar and the US as long as Washington respects the will of the people of Myanmar.

But Beijing also urged the US to lift its sweeping sanctions on Myanmar, a step that Washington says is premature without further reforms.