Did Myanmar-China talks spawn a more emboldened junta?
China and India have been jostling for influence in Myanmar as the Asean member continues to be embroiled in a civil war
Analysts also say, however, that Myanmar’s regime could feel emboldened to escalate action against resistance forces, revving up its “military approach” to deal with the country’s civil war.
Speaking after a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said Beijing prioritised its ties with Myanmar, which held an “important position” in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy.
“I am willing to strengthen strategic guidance with you, carry forward our pauk-phaw friendship, and deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation,” Xi said, according to footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV.
He was using the Burmese term meaning kinsfolk to describe the long-standing special relationship between China and Myanmar.
Myanmar ousted the former elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and has since been diplomatically isolated by many Western countries and the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.