President of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing completed his first state visit to China from June 15 to 19, 2026, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties. The two countries signed a series of cooperation agreements covering transport, science and technology, intellectual property rights, human resources development, public health, and media. The visit underscores the commitment to building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, underpinned by political amity and mutual trust.

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China stands ready to share its development experience with Myanmar. He emphasized the need to steadily advance major projects, such as the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, to support Myanmar's economic growth and improve livelihoods. Xi also called for the implementation of "small and beautiful" assistance programs to benefit the people of both nations.

Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation

China remains Myanmar's largest trading partner, largest source of imports, and most important source of investment. Bilateral trade reached $19.4 billion in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 19.1%. The trade structure is characterized by complementarity, with China exporting electromechanical equipment and vehicles to Myanmar while importing high-quality agricultural products and mineral resources.

Key connectivity projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, including the New Yangon City, the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, and the China-Myanmar Railway, have taken shape. These projects are driving industrial upgrading in Myanmar and injecting impetus into cross-border economic integration.

Security and Regional Stability

Both nations highlighted the importance of law-enforcement cooperation to combat cross-border criminal activities. China and Myanmar expressed support for establishing an international alliance against telecom cyber fraud. Recent joint efforts have successfully cracked down on telecom fraud operations in northern Myanmar, upholding peace and stability along the border.

Xi Jinping called for continued crackdowns on online gambling, telecom fraud, and drug trafficking to safeguard the interests and security of both peoples. Min Aung Hlaing affirmed Myanmar's commitment to working closely with China to combat these crimes and ensure stability in border areas.

The International Symposium on the Global Significance of Chinese Modernization opened in Chongqing on June 18, 2026, bringing together scholars, think tank experts, and media representatives from China, Singapore, Hungary, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Peru, and other countries. The event focused on the relevance of Chinese modernization for Global South development under the theme "Advancing Modernization Together, Building a Shared Future." Participants explored how local practices in Chongqing can contribute to broader discussions on modernization, development cooperation, and mutual learning among Global South countries through site visits, panel discussions, keynote speeches, and roundtable dialogues.

From June 16 to 17, Chinese and international experts conducted field research across Chongqing, a key inland opening-up hub in western China. The itinerary included Changan's Digital and Intelligent Factory, the Inland International Logistics Hub Exhibition Center, Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery, Chongqing Meteorological Bureau, and Minzhu Village in Jiulongpo District. On June 18, the main symposium was held at the WCICO, featuring the release and signing ceremony of annual key research projects, the establishment of the Expert Committee for the International Symposium on the Global Significance of Chinese Modernization, the presentation of appointment certificates, and the launch of the newly revamped international observation column "Global Vision."

During the keynote session, Chinese and international experts shared views on the value of Chinese modernization for the Global South, new pathways for the rise of major powers, green transition and cooperation opportunities with Central and Eastern Europe, and Chongqing's exploration in urban governance and open development. A roundtable discussion themed "From Development Consensus to Local Practice: Chinese Path to Modernization and the Development Path of the Global South" brought together experts to discuss how Chinese modernization can provide a reference for Latin America and other Global South regions.

A themed book exhibition was also held at the WCICO park, organized around "Theory – Practice – Dialogue." The exhibition featured The Governance of China, the Six Perspectives of Chinese Modernization series, and works from CLACSO, as well as Chongqing's local theoretical and practical achievements, presenting Chinese and international scholarship side by side. The event highlighted Chongqing's role as a hub for dialogue on modernization and development cooperation.