Myanmar's military leader meets Chinese president for first time since coup

Myanmar’s military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since taking power in a coup four years ago.

The meeting, held in Moscow on the sidelines of the 80th anniversary commemorations of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II, marks a significant diplomatic moment for Myanmar's ruling military government, Caliber.Az reports per US media.

State-run media in Myanmar reported that during the meeting, President Xi expressed China’s commitment to assisting Myanmar in its recovery following the devastating earthquake in March, which claimed over 3,700 lives. Xi also offered support for efforts to end Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict.

The leaders discussed enhancing bilateral relations, strengthening cooperation across various sectors, and working together to promote regional stability and peace. China has long been an ally of Myanmar's military government, providing both economic and military support, despite widespread international condemnation of the junta's actions since its 2021 coup.

China's influence in Myanmar is considerable, with Beijing playing a key role in securing Myanmar's borders, particularly through its engagement with ethnic rebel groups to reduce pressure on the military regime. Furthermore, China is a major arms supplier to Myanmar’s forces, aiding them in their conflict with pro-democracy and ethnic minority resistance groups. The two nations share a 1,440-kilometre border, heightening Beijing's interest in maintaining stability in Myanmar.

China is also Myanmar’s largest trading partner, having invested billions in infrastructure projects, including mines and oil and gas pipelines. Its economic ties with Myanmar are significant, and Beijing has invested heavily in ensuring that its strategic interests are protected, especially in light of recent instability along the Chinese-Myanmar border.

The military government's relations with Western nations have deteriorated since the February 2021 coup, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar has faced international sanctions, and the military is accused of widespread human rights violations.

In addition to its diplomatic support, China has provided vital relief after the March earthquake, which exacerbated the country's already severe humanitarian crisis. More than three million people are displaced, with nearly 20 million in need of aid due to the ongoing conflict, according to the United Nations.

Instability in Myanmar has also affected Chinese interests. In recent years, Myanmar's military has suffered significant battlefield losses, particularly in the north-eastern Shan State, near the Chinese border. In October 2023, the “Three Brotherhood Alliance,” a coalition of ethnic rebel groups, captured several towns and military bases, sparking concerns in Beijing. China is understood to have provided tacit support to the alliance's actions to curb organised crime in these areas.

In early 2024, Beijing brokered a ceasefire, but this quickly collapsed when rebel groups resumed attacks. The Myanmar government and China have expressed growing concern as pro-democracy guerrillas and armed ethnic groups have gained the upper hand in some areas.

Under pressure from China, Myanmar’s National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) recently withdrew from the strategic town of Lashio in April, after initially seizing it in August 2024. The town hosts a key military headquarters and is strategically important for both Myanmar and China.

Amid ongoing tensions, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has reported difficulties due to trade blockades imposed by both Myanmar and China. The TNLA has claimed that China is pressuring the group to avoid conflict in border areas with Chinese investments.

Despite these challenges, the TNLA extended a ceasefire it declared following the earthquake until the end of May, while continuing to face daily airstrikes by Myanmar's military.

By Aghakazim Guliyev