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

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing with Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing, signaling a move to strengthen relations between the neighboring countries. The meeting, confirmed by Chinese state media agency Xinhua, took place Tuesday.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has begun a meeting in Beijing with his Myanmar counterpart Min Aung Hlaing, Chinese official media agency Xinhua said on Tuesday, as the neighbouring countries seek to deepen relations.

Min Aung Hlaing is on a five-day visit to China, his first trip to the world's second-largest economy since he formalized his grip on power following disputed elections in Myanmar in December and January. A state welcome ceremony was held for him at the Great Hall of the People before the leaders commenced their discussions. Xinhua reported that the two leaders then observed the signing of unspecified cooperation documents.

China remains a crucial foreign partner for Myanmar's military junta, which seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, sparking widespread conflict. Beijing has previously stated its support for Myanmar's efforts to unify domestic political forces and restore stability. China's investments in Myanmar include an oil and gas pipeline and planned infrastructure projects like a deep-sea port under its Belt and Road Initiative.

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China remains one of the most important foreign partners of Myanmar's military, which seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, triggering an armed uprising.

This marks Min Aung Hlaing's second meeting with Xi in less than a year, following his attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit last August. While Min Aung Hlaing's initial foreign trip after becoming president was to India, his subsequent visits to China suggest a deepening strategic relationship with Beijing and an effort to bolster his international standing.

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The meeting is Min Aung Hlaing's second with Xi in less than a year, after he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin last August.