Myanmar Military Chief Min Aung Hlaing Engages China Amid Civil War
Myanmar military chief Min Aung Hlaing visits China for the GMS summit amid escalating civil war. His discussions with Chinese leaders indicate Beijing’s support for the junta despite widespread conflict and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Anti-China sentiment is growing as resistance forces gain ground against the military.
General Min Aung Hlaing, the chief of Myanmar’s military, is participating in a two-day summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) in Kunming, China. This marks his inaugural foreign visit since assuming power in a coup over three years ago. During his visit, he engaged in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Myanmar’s political reconciliation efforts amid ongoing civil unrest. Since the February 2021 military coup that ousted the democratically elected government, Myanmar has been engulfed in turmoil. The military regime faces persistent uprisings fueled by mass protests and the formation of alliances among ethnic groups and civilian defense forces. This civil conflict has precipitated a humanitarian crisis, resulting in over 5,000 civilian deaths and millions displaced, while the economy remains severely affected.
The situation in Myanmar has been precarious since the military coup. The generals, facing international isolation, have maintained a close relationship with China, which has continued to engage with the junta despite widespread condemnation from other nations. China’s economic investments and military support are pivotal to the junta’s sustained power. Activists and analysts express concern that Beijing’s backing of the military will exacerbate the ongoing conflict, potentially inflating anti-China sentiments within Myanmar.
The attendance of Min Aung Hlaing at the GMS summit underscores the complex and evolving dynamics of Myanmar’s civil war and highlights the strategic implications of China’s support for the junta. While Beijing’s involvement aims to stabilize the situation, it may unintentionally deepen resistance against both the junta and China, impacting regional stability.
Original Source: www.dw.com
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