China and Myanmar Strengthen Economic Ties with $19.4B Trade and Belt and Road Projects
Event summary
- Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing completed a state visit to China from June 15 to 19, 2026, focusing on deepening pragmatic cooperation.
- Bilateral trade reached $19.4 billion in 2025, up 19.1% year over year.
- China and Myanmar signed cooperation agreements covering transport, science, technology, and security.
- Key Belt and Road projects, including the New Yangon City and Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, are advancing rapidly.
- Both countries agreed to enhance law enforcement cooperation to combat cross-border criminal activities.
The big picture
This deepened cooperation between China and Myanmar underscores the strategic importance of the Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia. The focus on infrastructure projects and trade highlights China's role as Myanmar's largest trading partner and key investor. The joint efforts in security coordination reflect broader regional trends in combating transnational crime.
What we're watching
- Infrastructure Development
- The pace at which the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor projects will be completed and their impact on Myanmar's economic growth.
- Trade Dynamics
- How the $19.4 billion trade volume will evolve and whether it will sustain its growth trajectory.
- Security Coordination
- The effectiveness of joint law enforcement efforts in combating cross-border criminal activities.