Former Myanmar Military Leader Min Aung Hlaing Arrives in China as President

(CNA, Taipei, 15th) At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Min Aung Hlaing, former leader of Myanmar's military government, arrived in Beijing today to begin a five-day visit. This is Min Aung Hlaing's first state visit to China since being elected president.

Official Chinese media outlets such as CCTV.com and The Paper reported the visit today. As Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's armed forces, Min Aung Hlaing seized power in a 2021 military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering an ongoing civil war. Five years after the coup, Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as President of Myanmar in April this year, continuing to govern under a civilian title.

On June 3, Min Aung Hlaing concluded a five-day visit to neighboring India, his first overseas trip since becoming president, during which he held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on security and trade.

According to Reuters, analysts say that although China has significant investments in Myanmar and Min Aung Hlaing has long enjoyed Beijing's support, his choice of India as his first destination as president was partly aimed at balancing China's influence.

Reuters reports that during his visit to China, Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping, as well as Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji.

Earlier, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it hopes the visit will help deepen traditional 'Pauk Phaw' (a Burmese term meaning 'fraternal') ties between China and Myanmar, strengthen comprehensive strategic cooperation, advance the building of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, and deliver more tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries. (Edited by: Chou Hui-ying / Chen Kai-yu) 1150615

Choose to stand with the facts. Your support is the power that protects press freedom.

Download the CNA 'First News' app to instantly access the latest updates.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.