Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing

Summary

On the morning of 16 June 2026, President Xi Jinping held talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi noted that over the 76 years since diplomatic ties were established, China and Myanmar have always stood together through thick and thin, jointly advocating and practising the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China places its relations with Myanmar in an important position in its neighbourhood diplomacy, adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, supports Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports the new government in coordinating development and security.

This year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period, and China is willing to work with Myanmar to build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future. Both sides emphasised that the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, agreed to steadily advance key projects, increase support for Myanmar's post-earthquake reconstruction, and deliver more 'small yet smart' assistance programmes. Both sides will crack down on crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud and drug trafficking.

Min Aung Hlaing stated that Myanmar firmly adheres to the One-China principle and looks forward to strengthening all-round cooperation with China and raising the level of trade and investment. After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in areas such as transportation and people's livelihoods. Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Min Aung Hlaing, with a 21-gun salute at Tiananmen Square.

Commentary

The China-Myanmar summit highlights the deepening of China's neighbourhood diplomacy, but New Zealand SME owners should pay more attention to its indirect impacts. On one hand, China's increased investment in Myanmar's infrastructure and livelihoods may divert some Chinese outward investment and trade resources. For instance, if Myanmar gains greater market access or production capacity in agricultural products or timber, it could compete with New Zealand products, particularly dairy and timber exports.

On the other hand, the advancement of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor may create new nodes in the regional supply chain. New Zealand businesses could explore opportunities to cooperate with Myanmar, such as entering the Myanmar market through Chinese investment platforms or providing high-end processing equipment and agricultural technology. Furthermore, China's emphasis on combating online gambling and telecom fraud is conducive to improving the regional business environment and reducing business risks.

Overall, China's neighbourhood diplomacy emphasises mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. New Zealand businesses need to be vigilant about the risk of supply chain shifts, while also paying attention to cooperation opportunities arising from 'small yet smart' aid projects, such as Myanmar's demand for construction materials and food in post-disaster reconstruction. In the long run, stable China-Myanmar relations contribute to regional stability, creating a predictable environment for New Zealand trade.

Keywords: Xi Jinping, Min Aung Hlaing, China-Myanmar relations, China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, Belt and Road Initiative, pauk-phaw friendship, cooperation documents, diplomatic talks, combating online gambling and telecom fraud, 15th Five-Year Plan

Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand