Myanmar junta leader to visit China, 1st since 2021 coup

ISTANBUL

Myanmar junta leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing will visit China this week, marking the top general’s first visit to the neighboring country since the February 2021 coup, an official statement said on Monday.

The visit comes at the invitation of Beijing, said the Ministry of Information.

During his trip, Aung Hlaing will attend the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion summit in the southern city of Kunming from Nov. 6-7.

Aung, who is the head of the State Planning and Administration Council, will also hold meetings with several Chinese officials.

Two sides will hold discussions to "further develop and strengthen cooperation in the economy and all sectors," said the statement.

However, it was unclear whether Aung will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The visit comes at a time when Beijing has sought assurances from Aung’s administration to protect Chinese personnel and diplomatic missions amid armed conflict between the junta and ethnic rebels.

Last month, an explosion targeted the Chinese Consulate-General in the northern city of Mandalay, damaging one of its buildings.

The Chinese military also fired warning shots in the air after detecting a fighter jet of the Myanmar army, which flew “too close” to its border.

Northern Myanmar has seen attacks against the junta regime by rebels increase in recent weeks with “Brotherhood Alliance” claiming control over major places.

Beijing had mediated a cease-fire between the junta and rebels which broke down several times.

In February 2021, Myanmar’s army overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power in a military coup.

The country fell into deep social, political, and economic turmoil as the army conducted brutal campaigns against perceived opponents.