Many countries are looking to China to play a role in persuading cyclone-devastated Burma to open its doors to foreign aid workers in addition to emergency relief supplies.

But it is unlikely that Beijing would take such an active part. Its principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries has for decades been the linchpin of its foreign policy.

However, Chinese officials, clearly shocked at the extent of a disaster that has received widespread coverage in the domestic media, have already displayed unusual interest in relief efforts in Burma, which lies on China’s southern border.

Qin Gang, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, has urged Burma to work with the international community. “We hope Myanmar will co-operate with the international community, will have consultation with the international community.”

Those apparently mild words mark a rare effort by Beijing to put some pressure on its neighbour.

But the spokesman reiterated China’s policy principle, saying: “We should take full consideration of Myanmar’s willingness and sovereignty.”

China does not waver from its principle of non-interference – in part because it does not want to attract pressure from other countries that it would regard as unwarranted meddling in its own domestic business.

China this week rejected France's idea of having the Security Council ratchet up the pressure on Burma to grant full access to foreign aid workers, saying the issue should not be politicised.

Beijing's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Liu Zhenmin, made it clear that China, with veto powers on the council, opposed any involvement of the UN Security Council.

He said: “The current issue of Myanmar is a natural disaster. It's not an issue for the Security Council. It might be a good issue for other forums of the UN." The said the council should "let the humanitarian assistance go on."

Chinese aid has already started to arrive – it has already added $4.3 million in aid to its initial $1 million.

However, China has in the past tried to bring some pressure to bear on the Burmese junta. Beijing’s encouragement prompted the generals to speed up the issuing of a visa to the UN special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, after demonstrations by monks last year.

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