China and Myanmar have signed 18 cooperation agreements covering trade, infrastructure, economic development and disaster relief as Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing’s state visit to China advances plans for the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor.
Min Aung Hlaing is visiting China from June 15 to 19, with meetings focused on bilateral cooperation, regional integration projects and the development of strategic connectivity initiatives between the two countries.
During the visit, the Myanmar leader met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi said China was prepared to strengthen what he described as the “pauk-phaw fraternal friendship” between the two countries and deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation.
The term “pauk-phaw” is used by China and Myanmar to describe their longstanding diplomatic relationship, referring to ties of friendship and fraternity that both governments say have developed over decades.
“I am willing to work with you to produce more results in building a China–Myanmar community with a shared future,” Xi said during the meeting.
The talks resulted in the signing of 18 agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in several areas, including trade, infrastructure development, economic projects and disaster relief efforts.
Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar places importance on its relationship with China and expressed willingness to expand practical cooperation across different sectors. He also reaffirmed Myanmar’s support for the One China principle.
The discussions between the two leaders focused on strengthening strategic cooperation, maintaining regional stability and continuing connectivity projects between China and Myanmar.
Beyond his meeting with Xi, Min Aung Hlaing also held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. The meetings addressed economic, commercial and legislative cooperation between the two countries.
A central focus of the visit was the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), a major infrastructure initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The project aims to connect China’s Yunnan Province with the Indian Ocean through Myanmar.
The corridor extends across Myanmar along a route of more than 1,000 kilometers and includes the Muse–Mandalay–Kyaukphyu connection. The deep-sea port of Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State is considered a key maritime access point for southwestern China.
The planned infrastructure network includes railways, highways, special economic zones and logistics systems. The Muse–Mandalay–Kyaukphyu railway project, which remains in the planning and negotiation stage, is estimated at around 431 kilometers and valued at approximately US$9 billion.
The corridor also includes existing energy infrastructure. Oil and gas pipelines operating through Myanmar provide China with direct access to energy supplies, with estimated capacities of around 22 million tons of oil annually and 12 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year.
The projects linked to the corridor are estimated to involve more than US$15 billion in investments during their full development, according to available estimates.
For China, the corridor provides an alternative route to the Indian Ocean and reduces dependence on maritime shipping routes through the Strait of Malacca. For Myanmar, the project is presented as a means of expanding infrastructure, attracting investment and developing areas along the route.
The signing of the 18 agreements during Min Aung Hlaing’s visit marks a new stage in coordination between Beijing and Naypyidaw as both countries seek to accelerate implementation of the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor and related cooperation projects.
