Myanmar Junta Chief to Visit China Amid Ongoing Turmoil

Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military junta, is set to make his first official visit to China this week since seizing power in a coup on February 1, 2021. This trip comes as the embattled general seeks to strengthen ties with Beijing amidst the chaos that has engulfed Myanmar following the military takeover.

Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

The military regime has faced significant challenges, with armed resistance movements and ethnic minority militias gaining ground and controlling large areas, particularly along the border with China. Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to participate in the Greater Mekong Subregion summits and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) meetings on November 6 and 7 in Kunming, as reported by state-run MRTV.

During his visit, he is expected to engage in discussions with Chinese authorities aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and addressing economic development across various sectors. The junta's deteriorating military position has raised concerns in Beijing, prompting China to tighten border controls and halt imports to areas under rebel influence.

China has significant strategic interests in Myanmar, including oil and gas pipelines and plans for a deep-sea port in the Bay of Bengal. Moreover, Beijing relies on Myanmar for rare earth minerals essential for its automotive and renewable energy industries.

Independent analyst David Mathieson commented on the implications of the visit, stating, "Whether he is going there to receive more Chinese support or more Chinese pressure, it's only bad for the people." He highlighted China's commitment to supporting the junta’s plans for a transitional election, despite widespread dissent within Myanmar.

The military government has recently initiated a nationwide census in preparation for elections scheduled for next year, despite lacking control over substantial portions of the country and facing the disbanding of numerous political parties. In August, following a meeting between Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Naypyidaw, Beijing pledged technical assistance for the census and the upcoming elections, actions viewed by critics as an endorsement of the junta’s legitimacy.

Activists in Myanmar have expressed frustration at China's position, arguing that it hampers their struggle for democracy and undermines the prospects for meaningful political change in the country.