Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed support for Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing on on June 16, as the two leaders pledged to deepen strategic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties during talks in Beijing.
According to Reuters,Xi said he was willing to strengthen leadership over China-Myanmar relations, promote longstanding friendship between the two nations and expand comprehensive strategic cooperation, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Min Aung Hlaing is on a five-day state visit to China, his first since consolidating power following controversial elections held in Myanmar late last year and early this year.
The leaders met at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People after a state welcome ceremony and later witnessed the signing of 18 cooperation agreements covering cross-border transport in the Greater Mekong subregion, free trade, disaster assistance, healthcare and media.
Xi also called for closer cooperation to contribute to regional peace and development.
China remains one of Myanmar’s most important international partners following the military’s seizure of power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, which triggered an armed uprising across the country.
Beijing has consistently backed efforts to restore stability in Myanmar and has invested heavily in projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, including oil and gas pipelines and plans for a deep-sea port.
The meeting marked the second encounter between Xi and Min Aung Hlaing in less than a year after they met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin last August.
Analysts said the visit signals closer ties between Beijing and Naypyidaw while helping boost the Myanmar leader’s international standing amid ongoing political turmoil at home.
