China's dual aims in Myanmar: Indian Ocean access, crime fighting

Beijing wields enormous influence but backing of military government not 100%

20230608N Qin and Min

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Myanmar's commander in chief, Gen. Min Aung Hlain, in Myanmar's capital of Naypyitaw on May 2. (Xinhua photo via Kyodo)

KATSUHIKO MESHINO, Nikkei senior staff writer

TOKYO -- In the more than two years since Myanmar's military took control of the government, China has clearly become the biggest backers of the generals who now hold power.

While many saw China becoming heavily involved in Myanmar to gain access to strategic points in the Indian Ocean, there is growing evidence that Beijing has drawn closer to the country to crack down on international criminal gangs.

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