August 14, 2024 – In a significant development, China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, visited Myanmar and held a meeting with the leader of its military government. This visit comes amidst growing instability from Myanmar’s civil war, which is causing concern in Beijing.
Meeting Highlights
During the meeting, several key issues were discussed. Wang Yi expressed China’s serious cooperation for stability and peace in Myanmar. He also voiced opposition to the attacks by ethnic militias on army-controlled areas in northern Shan State. The discussions also touched upon bilateral relations, stability of the border region, and cooperation in eliminating cybercrime and other illegal activities.
Wang Yi stated that China “opposes chaos and war in Myanmar, interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs by extra-territorial forces and any attempts to drive a wedge between China and Myanmar and smear China”. He also expressed hope that Myanmar “will effectively safeguard the safety of Chinese personnel and projects” there.
Background
The visit came after Myanmar’s army has suffered unprecedented battlefield defeats from powerful ethnic militias, especially in the northeast along the border with China123. A week prior to the visit, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar’s ruling military council, alleged that foreign countries were backing the militias with arms, technologies, and other assistance.
China’s Stance
China has maintained good working relations with Myanmar’s ruling military, which is shunned and sanctioned by many Western nations for seizing power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 and for major human rights violations3. China is Myanmar’s biggest trading partner and has invested billions of dollars in its mines, oil and gas pipelines, and other infrastructure.
Future Implications
The growing instability in Myanmar threatens the stability essential for protecting China’s interests. Analysts believe that China’s relations with Myanmar’s ruling military, and Min Aung Hlaing in particular, are severely strained. The developments in the region will be closely watched by the international community in the coming months.
