Myanmar junta chief and President Min Aung Hlaing met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 16, with the two sides signing 18 agreements aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation, according to Myanmar’s military authorities.
Min Aung Hlaing is currently on a five-day state visit to China from June 15 to 19 at the invitation of President Xi.
Before the talks, Xi welcomed Min Aung Hlaing with an official reception ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders then held discussions on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
According to the military authorities, the agreements cover cooperation in security, economic development, healthcare, technology, media and sports.
A source familiar with the discussions told New Day Myanmar that the agreements also include plans related to the resumption of the controversial Myitsone hydropower project in Kachin State, although neither side has officially disclosed details of such an arrangement.
The agreements reportedly include measures to facilitate exports of bananas, fisheries products and traditional Chinese medicinal plants, as well as cooperation linked to the reconstruction of Yangon’s Aung San Stadium.
Chinese authorities described the visit as an opportunity to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Myanmar.
Myanmar’s military authorities said the discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing “Pauk-Phaw” relationship, expanding economic cooperation, enhancing security coordination and promoting collaboration across multiple sectors.
Political observers say Min Aung Hlaing is seeking greater diplomatic backing, economic assistance and security cooperation from China as he continues efforts to break out of the international isolation imposed on Myanmar’s military leadership following the 2021 coup.
Analysts also note that Beijing appears increasingly focused on protecting its investments, maintaining stability along the China-Myanmar border and safeguarding its strategic interests in the region through closer engagement with Myanmar’s military authorities.
China has significant interests in several major projects in Myanmar, including the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port, the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipelines and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, all of which provide Beijing with strategic access to the Indian Ocean.
The visit comes shortly after Min Aung Hlaing’s trip to India and is viewed as part of broader efforts by the military authorities to strengthen international ties and secure political legitimacy.
The inclusion of chief ministers from Kachin and Shan states, senior military officials and business leaders in the delegation has fueled speculation that border security, trade and Chinese investment projects are among the key issues being discussed during the visit.
In addition to his meeting with Xi Jinping, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to hold separate talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
Observers say the signing of the 18 agreements highlights the growing convergence between the military authorities’ efforts to gain international recognition and China’s desire to protect its long-term strategic and economic interests in Myanmar.
At the same time, analysts caution that questions remain over the extent of Beijing’s support for Myanmar’s military leadership and how closer China-Myanmar cooperation may affect ongoing armed conflicts and stability along the border regions.
