bbc.com
China Welcomes Myanmar's Leader Amidst Civil War
Myanmar's military leader visits China for the first time since the 2021 coup, signaling a continued, albeit cautious, relationship despite ongoing conflict and international isolation.
English
United Kingdom
PoliticsInternational RelationsHuman Rights ViolationsChinaConflictDiplomacyIndo PacificMyanmar
Myanmar MilitaryChinese Government
Min Aung HlaingAung San Suu KyiLi Qiang
- How has the civil war in Myanmar impacted China?
- The civil war's impact on China includes the operation of ethnic insurgents along their shared border. These insurgents, partly motivated by cracking down on scam centers affecting Chinese citizens, have inflicted significant losses on the Myanmar military.
- Why is Min Aung Hlaing's visit to China significant?
- Min Aung Hlaing's visit to China is his first since the 2021 coup. It's significant because China is Myanmar's largest trading partner and a key ally, despite the ongoing civil war and international isolation of the Myanmar leader.
- What type of visit is Min Aung Hlaing making to China?
- The visit is not a state visit, but a participation in a minor summit in Kunming, China. This suggests that Beijing views Min Aung Hlaing as a necessary part of resolving the conflict, even if not fully endorsing his actions.
- What has been the nature of Min Aung Hlaing's international relations since the coup?
- Min Aung Hlaing's international isolation is highlighted by the visit, as he has been largely shunned by regional gatherings since the coup. His previous overseas travels have primarily been to Russia.
- What does China's invitation to Min Aung Hlaing suggest about its position on the Myanmar conflict?
- China's invitation to Min Aung Hlaing signals that it's not entirely abandoning him, despite the costs of the civil war. This contrasts with previous speculation that China might distance itself from the Myanmar military regime.