Description: Chinese President, Xi Jinping, hosted his counterpart from Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing, in Beijing, where the leaders concluded 18 cooperation agreements and discussed on matters of bilateral interests in the region. Both delegations were reinforced by representatives from economic or trade ministries from China and Myanmar with discussions focusing on extending bilateral cooperation. The joint statement issued after Xi and Hlaing met, focused on continued bilateral cooperation in the areas of development such as the China – Myanmar Economic Corridor and the advancement of projects such as the Kyaukpyu Deep – Sea Port and the Muse – Mandalay Railway, while avoiding any mention of the state of the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. The leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation in mining, digital economy initiatives, AI, agriculture, oil and gas energy projects and power grid extension. China also stated that it fully supported Myanmar’s reintroduction to the ASEAN as a full member and within the UN. The meeting arrives after Hlaing met with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi late last month.
Impact: China’s full-fledged acceptance of Myanmar’s illegitimate leader right after his visit to India likely represents the level of prioritization that China has positioned on Myanmar in the long – term. The signed agreements and political initiatives to extend cooperation, highly likely indicate China’s aggressive reassertion into its neighbor through real power influence. The joint statement likely legitimizes China’s real power influence over Myanmar, through enhancement of major economic cooperation initiatives. Hlaing’s benefits are likely revolving around gaining international legitimacy as President of the country, forging an early partnership with one of the regional and global economic leaders, and strengthening the argument around his own domestic political influence. The meeting ultimately demonstrates China’s hegemony over Myanmar and confirms Beijing’s long – term plans to entrench itself in the country which is ripe with natural resources and has access to vital maritime shipping trade corridors.