Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Beijing on June 15, 2026, to begin a five-day state visit lasting until June 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. This marks his first bilateral trip to China since becoming civilian president in April 2026 following controversial elections held in December 2025 and January 2026, which many countries deemed neither free nor fair [1, 2, 5, 6, 7]. Min previously ruled Myanmar as military chief after the 2021 coup that ousted the elected government [1, 2, 3, 4].
During the visit, Min is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and top legislator Zhao Leji [1, 2, 3, 4]. On June 16, China held a state welcome ceremony for Min at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing [2, 8, 9, 4]. Xi publicly endorsed Min’s political leadership and expressed willingness to deepen strategic ties. He said, "I am willing to strengthen strategic guidance with you, carry forward our pauk-phaw friendship, and deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation," using a Burmese term meaning brotherly relationship [2, 8, 5, 6, 7, 9, 4].
The two sides signed 18 memorandums of cooperation covering cross-border transport, free trade, disaster assistance, health, and media cooperation [2, 8, 9]. China, Myanmar’s largest trade partner, recorded bilateral trade of approximately $19.4 billion [3, 4]. Xi said China supports Myanmar’s new government in coordinating development and security priorities to find a development path that suits its national conditions and wins popular support [5, 4].
Unlike the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China formally recognizes Min’s government and election results as legitimate, prioritizing border stability and economic interests over democratic legitimacy or peace plan adherence [5, 6, 7]. Min’s administration seeks economic aid and security leverage from China, while Beijing expects safeguards for its infrastructure projects and regional cross-border crime control efforts [5, 6, 7]. China has invested in Myanmar infrastructure under its Belt and Road Initiative, including oil and gas pipelines and plans for a deep-sea port [2, 9, 4].
Min made his first foreign trip after becoming president to India before arriving in Beijing [1, 2, 9, 4]. Earlier in June, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe in Beijing, pledging support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and security [1, 3, 4].
Images released on June 15 showed Min boarding his plane to Beijing [1]. Meanwhile, China detained a U.S. citizen political analyst on suspicion of espionage related to Myanmar research during this period [1].
The state visit continues through June 19 with further talks expected between the leaders and officials to solidify agreements and cooperation projects [1, 2, 3, 4].
