China Urges Myanmar to Pursue Development Path 'Supported by the People'

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Myanmar to “establish an appropriate development path” that is “supported by the broader public” during a meeting with President Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing on Tuesday. According to a Xinhua News report, President Xi received Min Aung Hlaing following a welcoming ceremony in Beijing. “China places its relationship with Myanmar as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and supports Myanmar’s new government in coordinating development and security to establish the most suitable development path that fits its national conditions and gains broad support,” Xi said. Min has been Myanmar’s leader since overthrowing the civilian government in 2021, a move that exacerbated ethnic conflict in the country. Nevertheless, Xi still regards the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor as a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The two leaders discussed the progress of key infrastructure cooperation projects while ensuring security and stability during their meeting. The Chinese President said these projects would benefit Myanmar’s economy and the livelihoods of its people. He also reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Myanmar’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Min arrived in China on Monday for a five-day state visit at Xi’s invitation. The visit is Min’s first to China since being elected president in April, after leading Myanmar as military commander-in-chief for several years. During his visit, Min will also meet Premier Li Qiang and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji. The visit comes amid efforts by China and Myanmar to enhance political and economic cooperation. Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi received Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe in Beijing. China is currently Myanmar’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 19.4 billion US dollars last year. The neighbouring countries, which share a direct border, also have close economic ties, particularly in the infrastructure, energy, and cross-border trade sectors. Min’s visit to Beijing follows his first state visit as president to India and also reflects Myanmar’s efforts to strengthen relations with key partners in the region.