Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing Meets Xi as China Deepens Strategic Backing

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday as part of his five-day state visit, with the two countries pledging to deepen cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security and regional development amid Myanmar's continuing political and security challenges.

The visit comes just days after Min returned from India, where he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and assured New Delhi that Myanmar's territory would not be used against India's security interests. China is the second foreign destination visited by Min since he assumed the presidency in April following elections that consolidated the military-backed administration's hold on power.

During talks at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Xi reaffirmed China's support for Myanmar's stability and development while urging progress on major projects under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor , a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative . The two sides also signed 18 cooperation agreements covering transportation, trade, emergency assistance, healthcare and media cooperation.

Chinese officials said the visit is intended to inject fresh momentum into the countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership . Discussions reportedly focused on cross-border trade, infrastructure connectivity, border security, rare earth supplies and the advancement of strategic projects including the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port and energy corridors linking China to the Bay of Bengal .

China remains Myanmar's largest trading partner and a major investor. Beijing has long viewed Myanmar as strategically important because of its access to the Indian Ocean through oil and gas pipelines and transport routes that reduce dependence on the Strait of Malacca.

The visit is widely seen as a diplomatic boost for Min, who continues to seek greater international legitimacy while Myanmar grapples with an ongoing internal conflict and humanitarian crisis.