Myanmar junta chief to make first China visit

The country has been in turmoil since the military takeover, with resistance groups and ethnic militias seizing significant territories from the junta, particularly along the Chinese border….reports Asian Lite News

Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, will visit China this week for regional summits, marking his first trip to the influential neighbor since the 2021 coup.

The country has been in turmoil since the military takeover, with resistance groups and ethnic militias seizing significant territories from the junta, particularly along the Chinese border.

Min Aung Hlaing is set to attend the Greater Mekong Subregion and Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Co-operation Strategy (ACMECS) summits in Kunming on November 6-7, according to Myanmar’s state broadcaster MRTV. He will meet Chinese authorities to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in economic and developmental sectors.

China, which shares strategic interests with Myanmar, including key oil and gas pipelines and plans for a deep-sea port, has expressed concerns over the escalating conflict. Beijing has reportedly taken measures such as sealing parts of the border and halting imports to rebel-held areas. Additionally, China imports rare earths from Myanmar for its automotive and wind energy industries.
David Mathieson, an independent analyst, suggests that Min Aung Hlaing’s visit could either seek Chinese support or face pressure, both scenarios being detrimental to the Myanmar people. China has openly backed the junta’s State Administration Council (SAC) and its planned electoral transition
The junta began a national census last month to prepare for an election in 2024, despite lacking control over large parts of the country. Beijing has pledged technical support and aid for the census and election, reinforcing its controversial backing of the junta. Critics and activists argue that China’s stance hampers their democratic aspirations and endorses the military regime.

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