Xi Jinping Meets Min Aung Hlaing: Both Sides to Continue Crackdown on Online Gambling, Telecom Fraud, and Drug Smuggling

Chinese President Xi Jinping met today with Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing, who is on a state visit to China. Xi emphasized that both sides must continue to strictly crack down on criminal activities such as online gambling, telecom fraud, and drug smuggling, to effectively safeguard the interests and security of the peoples of both countries.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Xi Jinping held talks with Min Aung Hlaing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of the 16th. Xi stated that over the 76 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar, China has placed its relations with Myanmar in a key position in its neighborhood diplomacy. China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and firmly supports Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. China supports Myanmar's new government in coordinating development and security and finding a development path that suits its national conditions and enjoys popular support.

Xi stressed that China is Myanmar's neighbor with the longest shared border and a trustworthy friend and partner. The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor is a flagship project of the two countries' joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. Both sides should steadily advance key projects under the premise of ensuring security, helping Myanmar develop its economy and improve people's livelihoods. China is willing to intensify support for post-earthquake reconstruction in Myanmar and implement more 'small but beautiful' aid projects.

He stated that both sides must continue to severely crack down on criminal activities such as online gambling, telecom fraud, and drug smuggling, to genuinely protect the interests and safety of both peoples. China supports all parties in Myanmar advancing peace and reconciliation through dialogue, achieving long-term stability in northern Myanmar.

According to Chinese sources, Min Aung Hlaing expressed that Myanmar looks forward to strengthening comprehensive cooperation with China, jointly building the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and enhancing trade and investment levels. Myanmar attaches great importance to and will fully ensure the safety of Chinese enterprises and personnel in Myanmar. Myanmar is willing to closely coordinate with China to resolutely combat online gambling and telecom fraud and maintain border security and stability.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in areas such as transportation and livelihood. Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Min Aung Hlaing at the North Lobby of the Great Hall of the People. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong attended the events.

Min Aung Hlaing, a military officer by background, overthrew the democratically elected government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, detaining her and dissolving her party, which triggered a civil war. From December 2025 to January this year, parliamentary elections were held under the military-led government headed by Min Aung Hlaing. The elected pro-military lawmakers subsequently chose Min Aung Hlaing as president. (Edited by Chen Kai-yu / Qiu Guo-qiang)