Chinese President Xi Jinping and military council leader Min Aung Hlaing met on May 9 to discuss the security of Chinese interests and personnel in Myanmar. During the meeting, the Chinese President directly requested practical guarantees for the safety of Chinese employees, organizations, and projects in Myanmar. He also demanded effective action against cross-border crimes, including online gambling and telecommunications fraud occurring in border regions.
Min Aung Hlaing responded by emphasizing the importance he places on relations with China, expressing his desire to continue as China’s trusted partner nation. He promised to further enhance cooperation in economic, trade, and energy sectors while guaranteeing full security for Chinese projects and personnel. This meeting took place during Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance at the World War II victory celebration ceremony in Moscow, Russia. While international human rights organizations and democratic forces strongly condemn the military council, China maintains economic and political relations with Myanmar’s military council.
China remains Myanmar’s largest foreign investor, with significant economic interests including oil and natural gas pipelines and infrastructure projects. However, the current political instability in Myanmar has affected some Chinese projects, leading the Chinese government to seek security guarantees from the military council to protect their economic interests. The meeting highlights the complex relationship between China and Myanmar’s military regime, as China continues to engage with the council despite international criticism of its human rights violations and suppression of democratic forces. The military council’s promise to protect Chinese interests comes at a time when it faces significant challenges in maintaining control over various parts of the country amid ongoing resistance from pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed organizations.
