Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to visit China for the first time since the 2021 coup, attending a GMS summit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. This visit underscores the importance of China’s support for the isolated junta amidst ongoing resistance and internal challenges.

The head of the Myanmar junta, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to visit China for the first time since the military coup that occurred in February 2021. The visit is confirmed to take place this week as both nations have announced, with Min traveling to Kunming to participate in a two-day summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). As a key ally and arms provider to the junta, China is crucial for Myanmar, especially during these periods of international isolation. The GMS summit includes not only China and Myanmar but also Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, promoting regional cooperation and economic development. According to the junta’s official statement, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to engage in discussions with Chinese government officials to reinforce bilateral relations and to enhance economic cooperation. This visit comes at a challenging time for the military regime as it grapples with ongoing resistance from various ethnic armed groups and local defense forces opposing its rule. Moreover, there have been tensions between Beijing and Naypyidaw, particularly regarding the presence of online scam operations affecting Chinese citizens and run primarily by trafficked individuals in Myanmar. This summit will be presided over by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, highlighting the broader geopolitical challenges as nations seek greater unity and focus on economic recovery amidst changing global dynamics. Min Aung Hlaing has previously made several visits to Russia, indicating a broader strategy to engage with international partners, particularly those that support his regime.

The political landscape of Myanmar significantly shifted after the military coup in February 2021, leading to a rise in armed resistance from ethnic minority groups and local defense forces. The junta has faced international condemnation and sanctions, leading to its increased reliance on allies such as China and Russia. China has been instrumental in providing military and economic support to Myanmar’s junta, while also managing its relations with various ethnic armed groups active near the border. The upcoming GMS summit serves as a platform for Myanmar to re-establish ties and promote bilateral discussions amidst its ongoing domestic challenges.

The visit of Min Aung Hlaing to China is a pivotal moment for the Myanmar junta, marking its first official trip since the coup. This engagement highlights China’s critical role in Myanmar’s political dynamics and the junta’s reliance on foreign support to navigate both domestic and international turbulence. The discussions at the GMS summit will likely focus on reinforcing economic cooperation and addressing regional stability, while also seeking to mitigate past tensions arising from issues such as online scams targeting Chinese citizens.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr

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