CNI News

June 18, 2026

Military and political analysts are closely watching whether the discussion and meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing can bring about progress in Myanmar's peace process.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing is visiting China from June 15 to 19, 2026.

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for talks on the morning of June 16, 2026, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where they signed 18 bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an analyst on China-Myanmar affairs, told CNI News that the context of Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to China could officially facilitate peace talks and lead to further ceasefire processes.

"China is pushing very hard for Burma to achieve peace and ceasefires. I just don't know how much (U) Min Aung Hlaing and his side can concede. I don't think intense military operations will break out right after this visit to China. China keeps urging (U) Min Aung Hlaing to negotiate with the groups along the border. They are urging the border groups as well. They will definitely urge (U) Min Aung Hlaing too; whether he listens or not is another matter. He is in China for a 5-day visit. I think things will settle down temporarily when he returns. Actually, negotiations with the Kokang (MNDAA) have already been done, and the Kokang has returned to the military what it ought to return. The TNLA has also given the military what it needs to give. The main pressure needs to be put on the military itself. China seems to have spoken firmly to those ethnic groups on its border. That is why the fighting has gone quiet. However, I think China will push forcefully to make this peace official and to bring everyone to the negotiation table. Therefore, it is highly likely that during this period, they might call meetings—like ceasefire meetings," she said.

The signing ceremony of Memorandums of Understanding between Myanmar and China.

Since 2021, the Chinese government has seen its influence grow over both the government and armed organizations in Myanmar, successfully getting both sides to halt fighting and hand back certain territories.

Geopolitically and economically, China stands in the most critical position as Myanmar's primary neighbor. The Chinese government is striving to implement major projects within Myanmar, placing particular emphasis on border stability and the resumption of border trade.

Daw Saw Mra Raza Lin, Chairwoman of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), told CNI News that the Myanmar government is initiating approaches to its two powerful neighbors first, possibly using China as a stepping stone to restore relations with the international community and diplomacy.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing seen together.

"In this trip to China, as many as 18 memorandums and agreements were signed. I think they will look heavily into mutual interests. I believe diplomatic matters will be involved. Politically, it could also be a maneuver to approach the United Nations. While the military is launching offensives during its first 100 days, there is also a side to it that is moving towards peace talks. To achieve peace in Myanmar within 5 years, the state, as a government, has matters it must discuss by approaching neighboring countries. This is because almost all countries sharing borders with Myanmar house people who are revolting against the Myanmar government. The Myanmar government is making its initial approach to the two closest, powerful nations," she said.

China remains one of the largest investors in Myanmar, undertaking numerous infrastructure projects, including natural gas pipelines.

Political analysts point out that China is paying special attention to and monitoring issues such as the cessation of fighting along the Myanmar-China border, including Shan State, regional stability, and border trade.