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Min Aung Hlaing's China Visit
Myanmar's junta leader visits China seeking support amidst domestic and international challenges.
English
Germany
PoliticsInternational RelationsMiddle EastChinaDiplomacyIndo PacificMyanmar
Myanmar JuntaChinese GovernmentGreater Mekong Subregion (Gms)Crisis GroupUnited States Institute Of Peace
Min Aung HlaingRichard HorseyJason Tower
- What are the goals of Min Aung Hlaing's visit?
- The junta seeks to shore up support both domestically and internationally, and this visit is a part of that effort. The trip follows years of instability and strained relations between China and Myanmar.
- What is the significance of Min Aung Hlaing's visit to China?
- Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Kunming is his first official trip to China since the 2021 coup. He will attend a Greater Mekong Subregion summit and meet with Chinese officials to discuss economic and other issues.
- How would you describe the relationship between China and Myanmar?
- China's relationship with Myanmar is complex, involving economic ties through the Belt and Road Initiative, but also a history of mistrust and recent instability in Myanmar.
- What is the diplomatic significance of the invitation to the GMS summit?
- While the invitation to the GMS summit implies some recognition, it lacks the diplomatic weight of a bilateral invitation to Beijing. It could also cause problems, with the general perceived as making concessions to China.
- What are potential risks or downsides of the visit for the Myanmar junta?
- Experts express concerns that the visit could be perceived as Min Aung Hlaing making major economic and geo-strategic concessions to China in exchange for assistance, potentially creating new problems for the junta.