Myanmar’s military underscores strategic partnership with China, Russia

NAYPYITAW, May 6, 2019, Myanmar Times. The recent visit of Myanmar’s Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to China and Russia underscored the importance of the two countries as strategic allies of Myanmar, a Tatmadaw spokesman said, reported the Myanmar Times.

“During those visits, the good relations between the Tatmadaws and Russia and China have been strengthened,” said Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun at a press conference held in Nay Pyi Taw on May 3.

In his fifth meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing obtained a pledge to promote and strengthen armed forces-to-armed forces cooperation between the two countries.

The senior general also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of China and its military in Myanmar amid intense criticisms from the international community over its handling of the northern Rakhine crisis.

From Beijing Senior General Min Aung Hlaing travelled to Russia to attend a security forum and high-level defence meeting.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said high-tech Russian weapons will be used for the modernization of the Tatmadaw in the future.

Last year, Myanmar agreed to purchase six Russia’s Su-30SM fighter aircraft to boost the country air assets.

During his trip the commander-in-chief also visited the Admiralty Shipyard, one of the oldest and largest shipyards in Russia, located in Saint Petersburg, to learn about submarine manufacturing and maintenance works, which could be of interest to the country in the future.

He also visited plant to learn about manufacturing and assembly of unmanned reconnaissance airplanes.