Myanmar State President Min Aung Hlaing Visits China for State Visit

Myanmar's State President U Min Aung Hlaing completed a state visit to the People's Republic of China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking his first official state visit since assuming office. The visit underscores deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations across multiple sectors including education, healthcare, energy, agriculture, industry, and transportation.

China ranks second among 53 foreign investors in Myanmar, reflecting the significance of their economic partnership. Bilateral trade reached over USD 8 billion in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, approximately USD 7.7 billion in 2024-2025, and over USD 3 billion by July 2025-2026. Myanmar exports agricultural products including rice, pulses, and sesame, as well as seafood, minerals, and wood-based products to China. Major joint projects include the Kyaukpyu Deep Sea Port, the Myitsone Hydropower Dam, the oil and gas pipeline, the Muse-Mandalay railway, and the Mandalay-Kyaukpyu railway.

The primary objectives of the state visit encompassed strengthening comprehensive bilateral cooperation for Myanmar's development, promoting permanent peace and stability, increasing Chinese investment in Myanmar, and enhancing bilateral trade. The visit aimed to benefit both nations and their peoples. President Xi Jinping formally received President Min Aung Hlaing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of June 16, accompanied by a ceremonial guard of honor. The two leaders subsequently held bilateral talks with their respective delegations.

During the discussions, President Xi Jinping extended a warm welcome to the Myanmar delegation, expressing China's support for Myanmar's new government's development, security, and stability initiatives, as well as its pursuit of a national political path aligned with Myanmar's circumstances. He emphasized that bilateral cooperation holds significant potential for mutual benefit and socioeconomic development.

President Min Aung Hlaing expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted his honor at making this the first state visit of his presidency. He outlined Myanmar's commitment to implementing multi-party democratic systems and establishing inclusive governance. He emphasized that high-level engagement between the two nations plays a crucial role in advancing bilateral cooperation and that this visit represents an opportune moment to strengthen their longstanding relationship and pursue shared interests. Myanmar's government remains focused on national development, security, stability, and improved living standards for its citizens through a political system suited to national circumstances.