China, Myanmar pursue deeper ties as leaders hold talks in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Myanmar's de facto leader Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing on Tuesday, signaling a push to deepen relations between the neighboring countries. The visit, Min Aung Hlaing's first to China since asserting victory in Myanmar's recent elections, underscores Beijing's crucial role as a key foreign partner to the military junta.

During the five-day visit, the two leaders held talks and witnessed the signing of unspecified cooperation documents. China has been a significant supporter of Myanmar's military government, which seized power in a February 2021 coup. Beijing has consistently backed Myanmar's efforts to restore stability and unify domestic political forces, while also investing heavily in projects under its Belt and Road Initiative, including energy pipelines and planned deep-sea ports.

This meeting marks Min Aung Hlaing's second encounter with Xi in less than a year, highlighting the strengthening ties. While Min Aung Hlaing previously chose India for his first foreign trip after becoming president, his repeated visits to China suggest a growing strategic alignment and a boost to his international standing.