Myanmar president in China to deepen trade ties

Myanmar gvt

Myanmar’s president Min Aung Hlaing has arrived in Beijing for a five‑day visit aimed at strengthening economic and strategic cooperation with China, underscoring the regime’s reliance on its powerful neighbour amid ongoing civil conflict.

Sworn in as president in April after junta‑run elections widely dismissed as a sham, Min Aung Hlaing was welcomed with full honours on arrival. His schedule includes talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, visits to high‑tech firms, and participation in an economic conference. Images released by his office showed him touring Beijing’s Aerospace City, a hub of China’s space programme.

China has long been a crucial partner for Myanmar, providing military aid and investing heavily across the 2,100‑kilometre border. Yet relations have been strained by the proliferation of online scam centres in border areas, which target Chinese citizens with cryptocurrency fraud. In response, Myanmar’s newly elected parliament has introduced legislation imposing the death penalty on those who detain or coerce victims into such operations.

Analysts say Beijing has played a shifting role in Myanmar’s civil war, backing the military, rebel groups or ceasefires depending on its security and economic interests. The country’s rare earth resources, vital for China’s renewable energy technologies, remain a key factor in bilateral ties.

The visit comes days after China detained US scholar Min Zin, co‑founder of the Institute for Strategy and Policy – Myanmar, on suspicion of espionage. His arrest highlights the tense backdrop against which Min Aung Hlaing is seeking to project normalised relations.

China’s foreign ministry said the trip would “perpetuate traditional friendship” and “deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation”. For Myanmar, isolated since the 2021 coup, the visit signals an effort to secure economic lifelines and political legitimacy through Beijing’s support.

While the junta insists its transition to civilian rule is genuine, international observers see the presidency as a continuation of military dominance under a new guise. Min Aung Hlaing’s second overseas trip since taking office — following a visit to India — reflects his bid to consolidate ties with regional powers even as conflict at home shows no sign of abating.

-2026-06-16