China's Xi backs Myanmar's president in Beijing talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing for state talks. During the meeting, Xi Jinping pledged to deepen strategic cooperation between China and Myanmar and to contribute to regional peace. The visit is seen as an effort to enhance Min Aung Hlaing's legitimacy on the international stage, particularly as Myanmar faces ongoing internal conflict.

In a separate diplomatic engagement, Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met with China's top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing. This meeting occurred shortly after Khanal's visit to India, highlighting Nepal's careful diplomatic maneuvering between its two powerful neighbors. During the talks, China reiterated its support for Nepal's sovereignty and expressed commitment to infrastructure cooperation with the country.

These engagements reflect China's active diplomacy in its surrounding regions. The meeting with Min Aung Hlaing underscores China's willingness to engage with Myanmar's military leadership, potentially offering a degree of international validation. Concurrently, the discussions with Nepal's Foreign Minister demonstrate China's continued focus on strengthening ties and economic partnerships within South Asia, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative, while Nepal seeks to maintain a balanced foreign policy.