5-11-2024 (YANGON) Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing is poised to make his first visit to China since seizing power in 2021, as the embattled general seeks to shore up support amid escalating domestic turmoil and territorial losses to resistance forces.
State media announced on Saturday that the junta chief will attend key regional summits in Kunming on November 6-7, including the Greater Mekong Subregion and Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Co-operation Strategy meetings, alongside representatives from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
The visit comes at a critical juncture for Myanmar’s military government, which has lost significant territory to armed resistance groups and ethnic militias since a coordinated offensive began last October. These developments have raised concerns in Beijing, prompting Chinese authorities to seal portions of the border and restrict exports to rebel-held areas.
China maintains substantial economic interests in Myanmar, including crucial oil and gas pipelines and plans for a strategic deep-sea port in the Bay of Bengal. The country also relies on Myanmar for rare earth minerals vital to its automotive and renewable energy sectors.
Independent analyst David Mathieson suggests the visit could have significant implications: “Whether he’s seeking increased Chinese support or facing additional pressure, neither outcome benefits the Myanmar people.”
The timing coincides with the junta’s controversial preparations for a 2025 election, including a nationwide census launched in October, despite lacking control over substantial portions of the country. China has already pledged technical assistance and aid for these initiatives, following a meeting between Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in August.
This apparent Chinese endorsement has frustrated pro-democracy activists, who view Beijing’s stance as an obstacle to their campaign for democratic reform. The visit underscores China’s complex role in Myanmar’s political crisis, balancing its strategic interests with regional stability concerns.
The upcoming summit marks a significant diplomatic moment for Myanmar’s military leadership, as it seeks international legitimacy while struggling to maintain control domestically. However, critics argue that such high-level engagement only serves to strengthen the junta’s position, potentially prolonging the country’s political crisis.
