Myanmar: Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has embarked on his first visit to China since taking power in the 2021 coup, as reported by state broadcaster MRTV. His visit will include regional meetings in China, Myanmar’s key international ally.

Min Aung Hlaing, who led the military coup ousting Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, has faced mounting resistance from ethnic armed groups and rebel forces, particularly in areas close to the Chinese border. China, a primary ally and significant arms supplier to Myanmar’s military, also maintains connections with ethnic groups along its border and is increasingly concerned about regional instability threatening its strategic interests.

A statement from Myanmar’s government described the trip as a chance to strengthen “friendship” and expand “economic and multi-sectoral cooperation” between the nations. While China remains Myanmar’s largest trading partner and a major investor in its infrastructure and energy sectors, Beijing has expressed frustration over Myanmar’s lack of action against online scam networks in border areas targeting Chinese citizens.
This trip to China marks Min Aung Hlaing’s first, though he has visited Russia, another key ally, multiple times since the coup, including a 2022 meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

Min Aung Hlaing will join leaders in Kunming on Wednesday for the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) summit, which brings together officials from China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Confirming his attendance, China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that, in light of global challenges, “the need to strengthen unity and cooperation, and to focus on development and prosperity, are becoming more prominent.”