Mizzima/XinhuaNewsAgency-May 12
Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing pledged to ensure the safety of Chinese projects and personnel in Myanmar during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on 9 May, according to a report by China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency. The two leaders met in Moscow on the sidelines of events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Soviet term for World War II. President Xi emphasized the need for Myanmar to take concrete measures to protect Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects operating in the country. In response, Min Aung Hlaing vowed to fully uphold that commitment. Min Aung Hlaing also expressed readiness to work with China in addressing shared challenges, Xinhua reported. Xi Jinping, in turn, called for deeper strategic cooperation and the continued development of key initiatives under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC). He also urged stronger collaboration in tackling cross-border issues such as online gambling and telecom fraud. President Xi further reiterated China’s support for Myanmar’s sovereign right to choose its own development path and manage its internal affairs, including maintaining territorial integrity, stability, and political progress. A statement from Myanmar’s Military Council following the meeting confirmed China’s continued backing of the country’s development, peace efforts, and planned elections, though it did not specify particular Chinese-backed projects. This was the first in-person meeting between Min Aung Hlaing and Xi Jinping since Myanmar’s military seized power in 2021. The talks were also attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and senior Communist Party official Cai Qi. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2025/05/12/22257
