Xi backs Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing, signs 18 cooperation deals
What's new: The agreements covered cross-border transport, free trade, disaster aid, health and media during Min Aung Hlaing's five-day China visit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping backed Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing in talks in Beijing on Tuesday and the two sides signed 18 cooperation memorandums, underscoring closer ties between China and Myanmar. Chinese state media reported the agreements span cross-border transportation in the Greater Mekong subregion, free trade, natural-disaster assistance, health and media. Xi also endorsed the Myanmar government's push for development and security and called for progress on major infrastructure projects with stronger security protections. China is one of the Myanmar military's most important foreign partners after the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and ignited an armed uprising. Min Aung Hlaing's trip runs through Friday.