July 5, 2024

Chinese Ambassador Chen Hai met with Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw on July 4 to discuss preparations for the upcoming 2025 elections, according to announcements from the junta’s news agencies.

Ambassador Chen Hai, who is nearing the end of his tenure, visited Naypyidaw before his departure to meet with the military leader and discuss measures being taken to ensure the elections proceed as planned. The junta had announced in June that general elections would be held in 2025, despite key political parties such as the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) and the Arakan National Party (ANP) being excluded from the electoral process.

The meeting between the Chinese ambassador and the junta leader also covered issues related to maintaining stability and security in border regions. It was noted that China continues to support Myanmar’s development and internal peace efforts.

During Ambassador Chen Hai’s tenure, which began in 2019 under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, Myanmar has faced several significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the military coup, the subsequent Spring Revolution, and the 1027 military operations.

China played a role in negotiating ceasefire agreements, such as the Haigeng Agreement between the Northern Alliance groups and the Myanmar military, and has been involved in discussions concerning the latest resurgence of conflict involving the MNDAA, TNLA, and other allied forces during the second wave of the 1027 military operation.