The presence of a large number of Myanmar business tycoons, business association leaders, and individuals from the media and telecommunications sectors in junta leader President Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to China has sparked speculation that the trip may have been aimed at reconnecting the military regime’s economic lifelines with Chinese investment networks and major bilateral projects, according to political and economic analysts.

Information obtained by New Day Myanmar indicates that the delegation included Naing Phyo Kyaw, husband of actress Wutt Hmone Shwe Yi; Ko Ko (Industry); Thet Cho Aung; Maung Maung Naing, who has been linked to Ye Tagon Group; Htun Myint Naing, better known as Steven Law and associated with Asia World; UMFCCI Chairman Aye Win; Nan Kalya Win; Shwe Than Lwin Group Chairman Kyaw Win; MAX Myanmar Group founder Zaw Zaw; ATOM Deputy Chief Executive Officer Win Paing Kyaw; and Dr. Naing Swe Oo.

New Day Myanmar is continuing to investigate the specific roles played by some of these individuals during the trip.

Min Aung Hlaing is visiting China from June 15 to June 19 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. On June 16, he met Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

During the meeting, the two sides signed 18 cooperation agreements, according to the military regime. The agreements reportedly cover cross-border transportation, trade, infrastructure, healthcare, disaster relief, and media cooperation.

China has also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing projects under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative. CMEC includes the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port, oil and gas pipelines, border trade routes, industrial zones, and major infrastructure projects.

Against this backdrop, analysts say the participation of businessmen closely linked to the military regime may carry significance beyond simple ceremonial attendance.

Re-emergence of Crony Networks

Zaw Zaw, founder of MAX Myanmar Group, is one of Myanmar’s best-known businessmen, with interests spanning construction, banking, hospitality, energy, agriculture, and sports.

Although he largely disappeared from public view following the 2021 military coup, he has increasingly reappeared at events attended by Min Aung Hlaing in recent years.

His participation in the Beijing visit is viewed by some analysts as evidence that the regime is attempting to rebuild domestic business networks, secure financial backing, and reconnect with international commercial partners through established cronies.

Infrastructure and Strategic Projects

Htun Myint Naing, widely known as Steven Law, is associated with Asia World Group and has long been regarded as a businessman with close ties to successive military governments.

Asia World has been involved in ports, airports, construction, infrastructure, energy, and trade, making it one of Myanmar’s largest conglomerates.

Observers believe Steven Law’s inclusion in the delegation could be linked to efforts to expand Chinese-backed infrastructure projects, logistics networks, border trade routes, and transportation systems under military administration.

Energy and Family Business Connections

Maung Maung Naing, who has been associated with Ye Tagon Group, previously served as a director of Sky One Construction Company Limited alongside Aung Pyae Sone, the son of Min Aung Hlaing, according to company records.

He is also known as the Chief Executive Officer of Yetagon Energy and is widely viewed within business circles as having close links to the junta leader’s family.

Analysts suggest that his participation may indicate discussions involving energy projects, construction ventures, and investment opportunities connected to Chinese partners.

Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure

Win Paing Kyaw serves as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ATOM, one of Myanmar’s major telecommunications operators.

Following ownership changes after the military coup, ATOM continued operating in Myanmar’s telecommunications sector, which has become increasingly sensitive due to concerns over internet restrictions, surveillance, data access, and digital governance.

As a result, the participation of a senior telecommunications executive has raised questions about potential cooperation involving Chinese technology companies, telecommunications infrastructure, digital services, and the regime’s technological requirements.

Business Links to the Military Family

Naing Phyo Kyaw, known publicly as the husband of actress Wutt Hmone Shwe Yi, has attracted increasing attention because of reported business connections involving members of Min Aung Hlaing’s family.

He is identified as Chairman of MG Myanmar, co-founder of 7th Sense Creation, and Vice Chairman of Green Circle Company, producer of VeVe beverages.

Media reports have previously linked him to business ventures involving Min Aung Hlaing’s daughter, Khin Thiri Thet Mon, particularly in electric vehicle imports, MG-brand vehicles, and N.P.K Motors.

His participation in the China visit may indicate efforts to expand commercial partnerships between Chinese companies and businesses connected to vehicle imports, EV projects, and manufacturing sectors.

UMFCCI and the Business Community

Aye Win, Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), is one of the most prominent representatives of Myanmar’s business community.

Since the coup, however, UMFCCI has faced criticism for its engagement with military authorities and participation in junta-backed initiatives.

Observers suggest that his presence in the delegation may have been intended to project an image that Myanmar’s private sector continues to support the regime’s economic agenda.

Nan Kalya Win, another business figure associated with UMFCCI circles, has also been seen participating in previous military-linked economic forums and overseas visits.

Media and Influence Networks

Shwe Than Lwin Group Chairman Kyaw Win is another prominent businessman frequently viewed as part of the military-linked business network.

His conglomerate operates in media, banking, construction, education, real estate, and other sectors. Through its SkyNet platform, Shwe Than Lwin became one of Myanmar’s most influential broadcasting and pay-TV companies.

The participation of figures such as Ko Ko (Industry) and Dr. Naing Swe Oo, who have backgrounds in media, think tanks, and military-linked policy circles, suggests that the Beijing visit may have involved more than economic interests alone.

Analysts say their presence points to possible efforts by the regime to strengthen media influence, policy advocacy, and international image-building networks alongside economic cooperation.

China’s Interests and the Junta’s Needs

New Day Myanmar continues to investigate the backgrounds and roles of Thet Cho Aung and several other business figures whose involvement remains unclear.

As the military regime seeks international legitimacy, foreign investment, and economic support from key partners such as China, business elites appear to be re-emerging as important intermediaries.

For China, Myanmar remains strategically important as a gateway to the Indian Ocean and a critical route for oil and gas pipelines, the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port, rare earth resources, and border trade.

For the military regime, China represents a crucial source of political recognition, investment, technology, financing, and diplomatic support.

Caught between these mutual interests, Myanmar’s business cronies may once again be serving as intermediaries linking the military authorities with Chinese economic ambitions.

While the junta portrays the Beijing visit as a success in strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and international recognition, Myanmar continues to face civil war, economic decline, foreign currency shortages, rising fuel prices, unemployment, and mass displacement.

Against this backdrop, the participation of military-linked business figures in the China visit raises a broader question: was the trip intended to address Myanmar’s worsening national crisis, or was it primarily aimed at rebuilding the economic networks that help sustain military rule?