China’s Top Diplomat Courts Mainland Southeast Asia, Backing Myanmar Junta and Reasserting Regional Influence

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Myanmar's new president, U Min Aung Hlaing, in Nay Pyi Taw on April 26, 2026. Image via the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up a five-day, three-nation tour across continental Southeast Asia in the Myanmar capital, Nay Pyi Taw, on Saturday.

Wang met with Myanmar’s controversial new president, U Min Aung Hlaing, a former coup leader who is also facing genocide charges, and on Saturday also held talks with his counterpart, Tin Maung Swe.

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by Eric Olander

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