Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing Faces Intensifying Pressure from China After Military Takeover

Beijing demands peace agreements with ethnic groups to secure economic investments

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, greeted Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing ceremonially in Beijing on June 16, but delivered a stern warning during their meeting for the leader to pursue the “correct path.” © Reuters

BANGKOK — Following his assumption of Myanmar’s largely symbolic civilian presidency in April, former military strongman Min Aung Hlaing accelerated efforts to negotiate ceasefires with ethnic armed factions (EAOs) that have intensified hostilities since his February 2021 coup. Despite public rhetoric about reconciliation, EAOs have rejected previous peace initiatives, accusing the junta of delaying substantive talks.

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