Myanmar’s military leader will make his first visit to China since taking power

Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to visit China this week to participate in regional summits, as reported by state media on Monday. This marks his first trip to the significant neighboring country since he took control following a coup in 2021.

Since the coup, Myanmar has experienced significant turmoil, particularly in regions bordering China, where an armed resistance movement has allied with established ethnic minority militias to gain control over substantial areas from the military regime.

Min Aung Hlaing will take part in the Greater Mekong Subregion summit and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Co-operation Strategy (ACMECS) meetings, along with discussions with representatives from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam on November 6 and 7 in Kunming, according to MRTV. The report indicated that he will engage in talks with Chinese officials to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for economic and developmental collaboration across various sectors.

The decline of the Myanmar military, exacerbated by significant advances made by anti-junta forces following a surprise offensive last October, has raised concerns in China. In response, China has restricted access to certain border areas and suspended critical imports to regions controlled by rebels, according to Reuters.

China’s interests in Myanmar are substantial, encompassing vital oil and gas pipelines that traverse the nation and a proposed deep-sea port in the Bay of Bengal. Additionally, Beijing relies on imports of rare earth minerals from Myanmar for its automotive and wind energy industries.

“Whether he is visiting to garner additional support from China or to face increased pressure, the outcome is detrimental for the populace,” stated David Mathieson, an independent analyst monitoring the situation in Myanmar. “China has clearly indicated its backing for the State Administration Council and its electoral transition strategy,” he added, referring to the junta led by Min Aung Hlaing.

The junta initiated a nationwide census last month to facilitate an election scheduled for next year, despite lacking control over significant portions of the country and having dissolved numerous political parties. According to Myanmar state media, Beijing has pledged technical assistance and support to the junta for both the census and the upcoming election, following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw,

Myanmar’s capital. This meeting has been interpreted by some critics as an endorsement of the junta by Beijing, leading activists in the conflict-ridden nation to express their frustration with China’s position, viewing it as an obstacle to their pursuit of democracy.