Key facts
- Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing is on a five-day state visit to China.
- He met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
- Xi Jinping endorsed Min Aung Hlaing's political leadership and pledged to deepen strategic cooperation.
- Eighteen cooperation documents were signed, covering areas like transportation, free trade, and health.
- China is a significant partner for Myanmar's military government, supporting stability and investing in infrastructure.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, the former junta chief, has begun a five-day state visit to China, seeking to consolidate his power and gain diplomatic legitimacy following a controversial election. The trip, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marks a significant diplomatic engagement for the leader who ousted the elected government in 2021, plunging the country into civil war.
During the visit, Xi Jinping endorsed Min Aung Hlaing's political leadership and pledged to strengthen bilateral ties, carry forward friendship, and deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of 18 memorandums for cooperation covering areas including cross-border transportation, free trade, assistance in natural disasters, health, and media.