Myanmar's leader co-chairs China-backed Mekong summit

Min Aung Hlaing presides over conference in rare international role

Myanmar Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Premier Li Qiang co-chaired the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation leaders meeting on Dec. 25, in this image provided by Myanmar authorities.

Nikkei staff writers

December 27, 2023 03:56 JST

BANGKOK/YANGON -- Myanmar's leader has chaired a major regional summit for the first time since the military took power in February 2021, in a meeting that affirmed closer ties with China.

Myanmar Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Premier Li Qiang co-chaired Monday's Lancang-Mekong Cooperation leaders meeting. "Lancang" is the river's name in China.