China welcomes Myanmar's embattled leader on first visit since coup

Min Aung Hlaing, the military leader of Myanmar, has made his first trip to China since he took power in February 2021. This visit is significant because it highlights the relationship between Myanmar and China, which is an important ally and trading partner for Myanmar. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar has raised questions about Min Aung Hlaing's leadership and how long he will remain in power. His invitation to visit China, although not a formal state visit, suggests that Beijing still sees him as a crucial player in addressing the conflict in Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Kunming, a city in China's Yunnan province, where he is attending a minor summit involving countries from the Greater Mekong Sub-region. This summit is attended by leaders from other authoritarian governments in the region, such as Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Since the coup, Min Aung Hlaing has been largely isolated and has not participated in regional gatherings that are typically attended by Myanmar's leaders. His few trips abroad since 2021 have primarily been to Russia, which has become a strong ally for him. During his visit to China, he is expected to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is overseeing the summit. The nature of this meeting is relatively low-key, but it carries symbolic importance for both countries. China has been cautious about its relationship with Min Aung Hlaing, especially as the civil war in Myanmar has become increasingly costly for Beijing. The fighting along the border with China has raised concerns, particularly as insurgents have targeted scam operations that have affected many Chinese citizens. Initially, it was believed that China had given the insurgents a green light to act against the junta, but since then, China has attempted to rein in the insurgents to prevent a complete collapse of the military regime in Nay Pyi Daw. Beijing is reportedly urging Min Aung Hlaing to establish a timeline for elections to end military rule, as they want to restore cross-border trade and protect Chinese investments in Myanmar. However, many groups opposing the military takeover have vowed never to negotiate with the junta, insisting that the military must be removed from politics and a new federal system established. The National Unity Government (NUG), which represents the ousted elected administration, has expressed its disapproval of China's invitation to Min Aung Hlaing. They argue that the military is responsible for the instability and destruction in Myanmar. The spokesperson for the NUG, Kyaw Zaw, voiced concerns that the visit could lead to misunderstandings about China's stance among the people of Myanmar. Despite the opposition's concerns, it appears that China is willing to work with the junta, as they fear that a collapse of the military could lead to even greater chaos with various armed groups vying for power. Currently, Chinese-led diplomacy is the only viable option, as Western influence in the region is minimal. India, Myanmar's other large neighbor, has focused mainly on local border issues, while the efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have not made significant progress. China seems to be the only country with the commitment and influence to make a serious attempt to resolve the civil war in Myanmar. The situation remains complex, and the outcome of Min Aung Hlaing's visit to China will likely have lasting implications for the future of Myanmar and its relationship with its neighbors.