Myanmar's junta chief Mi Aung Hlaing is visiting China this week. State-controlled media reported on Monday (November 4) that this is going to be his first visit to the influential neighboring country since the 2021 coup. British news agency Reuters has published this news.
Min Aung Hlaing will participate in the summit of 'Greater Mekong Subregion and Ayewadi-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy' (ACMECS), broadcaster MRTV reported. He will hold a meeting with the representatives of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam there on November 6 and 7.
Myanmar has been in chaos since the military coup. Especially in China's border areas, where the military has clashed with ethnic minority armed groups.
The news also said, 'Ang Hlaing will meet with Chinese representatives. They will discuss issues related to development in various sectors including bilateral relations and economy.'
A surprise attack by anti-junta forces forced the military to retreat in October, according to a Reuters report. Concerned about this, China has closed some border areas. Besides, Beijing has suspended the export of important goods to some areas controlled by the rebels.
China has several strategic interests in Myanmar. One of these is the major oil and gas pipeline that runs through the country. Another is the plan to build a deep sea port in the Bay of Bengal. Besides, Beijing imports important metals from its neighbors for use in car manufacturing and wind power projects.
Expert David Matheson said, “Ang Hlaing went there and got China's support, but it is not good for ordinary people.” Because Beijing has made it clear that they support the proposed election plan.'
The junta government plans to hold a general election in the country next year. For this purpose, a nationwide census was started last month. But this is going to be a challenge for them as they do not have control over a large part of the country and most of the political parties have been deregistered.
After Aung Hlaing's meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in August, Myanmar's state media reported that Beijing had pledged all technical support for the proposed elections and census.
Many were disappointed after the meeting held in Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Taw. Because, through its promises, Beijing tacitly supported the activities of the junta government. As a result, they fear that a bigger obstacle is going to appear to establish democracy in the country.
