Xi and Myanmar Junta Chief Meet in Beijing, Pledge ‘Brotherly Friendship’
President Xi Jinping met with Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday, describing bilateral ties as a "brotherly friendship" and pledging support for peace in northern Myanmar.
BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday. The meeting, which followed a state welcoming ceremony, lasted less than an hour.
During the talks, Xi emphasized the deep historical ties between the two nations. According to Chinese state media, he characterized the relationship as a "brotherly friendship" and expressed China’s support for achieving peace and stability in Myanmar’s northern regions.
Following the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 18 bilateral cooperation documents. These agreements cover a wide range of sectors, including:
- Cross-border transportation
- Free trade
- Natural disaster assistance
- Health
- Media
China remains a key ally of Myanmar’s military-led government, which seized power in a 2021 coup. The junta continues to face significant domestic opposition and multiple civil conflicts, particularly in northern areas where China has made substantial investments.
Xi also called for continued cooperation on security issues. Specifically, he urged joint efforts to combat telecommunications fraud, online gambling, and drug trafficking.
China’s economic footprint in Myanmar is significant, anchored by Belt and Road Initiative projects such as an oil and gas pipeline and a planned deep-sea port. Beijing’s influence is seen as crucial to the junta’s survival, as it provides diplomatic cover and economic support while the regime battles armed resistance groups.