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Myanmar State President Min Aung Hlaing Visits China for State Visit
Myanmar State President U Min Aung Hlaing visited China for a state visit on June 16, with discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation across development, security, investment, and trade. China is the second-largest foreign investor in Myanmar, with bilateral trade valued at several billion USD annually, and both nations collaborate on major infrastructure projects.
Quick Facts
Who
U Min Aung Hlaing (Myanmar State President)
What
State visit by Myanmar president to China
When
June 16, 2026 (morning reception)
Where
Beijing, China
- State visit by Myanmar president to China
- Formal reception at Great Hall of the People with ceremonial honors
- Bilateral talks between leaders and delegations
- Discussion of development cooperation, peace, investment, and trade
- Joint projects including ports, hydropower, railways, and pipelines
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.
Why This Matters
This state visit signals deepening strategic alignment between Myanmar and China across economic, security, and infrastructure domains. For investors and policymakers, it indicates continued prioritization of major joint projects (Kyaukpyu Port, hydropower, railways) and growing bilateral trade dependency. For Myanmar's development agenda, the visit reinforces access to Chinese capital and technical expertise; for China, it secures influence in a strategically located Southeast Asian partner amid regional geopolitical competition.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 16, 2026
WirePresident Min Aung Hlaing received at Great Hall of the People with ceremonial honors by President Xi Jinping
Jun 16, 2026
WireBilateral talks held at Fukang Hall between two presidents and their delegations