What's happened
Myanmar's military leader, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss military and economic cooperation. This marks Hlaing's fourth visit to Russia since the 2021 coup, amid ongoing Western sanctions against both nations. The talks included agreements on energy and arms supplies, including drone technology.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Strategic Alliance: The relationship between Myanmar and Russia is increasingly vital for both nations, as they face Western sanctions. Russia benefits from Myanmar's resources, while Myanmar relies on Russian military support to combat internal opposition.
- Military Cooperation: Min Aung Hlaing's request for additional arms, including drone technology, highlights the junta's ongoing military needs. This cooperation is crucial as Myanmar's military struggles against various armed factions.
- Economic Development: The agreement to construct a nuclear power plant signifies a long-term commitment to economic collaboration, which could provide Myanmar with much-needed energy resources and job creation.
- Geopolitical Implications: This partnership allows Russia to strengthen its influence in Southeast Asia, countering Western narratives and expanding its geopolitical reach, particularly in the context of its own isolation due to the Ukraine conflict.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post notes that Min Aung Hlaing's visit is part of a broader strategy to secure military and economic support from Russia, emphasizing the junta's reliance on Moscow amid international condemnation. Meanwhile, The Independent highlights the symbolic nature of Hlaing's praise for Putin, framing it as a desperate bid for legitimacy. The Moscow Times underscores the importance of military cooperation, stating that Russia's backing is crucial for Myanmar's military efforts against armed resistance. In contrast, Bloomberg focuses on the potential for economic agreements, including energy cooperation, which could bolster Myanmar's economy in the face of sanctions.
How we got here
Since seizing power in February 2021, Myanmar's junta has faced international isolation and sanctions due to its violent repression of opposition. Russia has emerged as a key ally, providing military support and diplomatic backing, while both nations seek to deepen their economic ties.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Myanmar's ties with Russia?
- How has the international community reacted to this meeting?
- What military support is Myanmar seeking from Russia?
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More on these topics
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Min Aung Hlaing is a Burmese army general who is the current Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces. He assumed the post on 30 March 2011. He is also a member of the National Defence and Security Council chaired by the President of Myanmar.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
