Beijing Tightens Grip on Myanmar

China is stepping up its influence in Myanmar, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s latest visit underscoring Beijing’s role as the junta’s most important ally since the 2021 coup.

Arriving in Naypyitaw on 22 April as part of a regional tour, Wang met regime leader Min Aung Hlaing, who recently installed himself as president in a move widely seen as an attempt to give military rule a civilian façade. The trip marks Wang’s third since the coup, signalling China’s readiness to back the new administration despite international rejection.

Beijing’s support has been crucial. In 2024, when the junta faced battlefield collapse, China pressured ethnic armed groups to halt their offensive, allowing the military to regroup. Wang’s current visit is viewed as both recognition of Min Aung Hlaing’s presidency and a reminder of China’s decisive role in sustaining the regime.

China has also dispatched senior envoys, including Heilongjiang Party Secretary Xu Qin, to deepen ties. Talks covered energy, agriculture, tourism and security, with fuel supplies a priority as Myanmar struggles with shortages. Xu’s presence highlighted Beijing’s effort to embed Myanmar within a broader Sino‑Russian framework.

Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises signed new cooperation deals in Yangon, alongside a Guangdong‑Myanmar trade exchange. Tourism agreements were also inked, reflecting Beijing’s continued investment despite Western sanctions and Myanmar’s shrinking foreign arrivals.

With overall foreign investment falling sharply, Myanmar’s reliance on China is more evident than ever. Beijing’s growing grip on the country is reshaping the balance of power along the border and across the region.

-2026-04-27