Myanmar’s Defence Minister, General Maung Maung Aye, recently attended the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, reinforcing the country’s engagement with China’s defence and security community. The visit, which included high-level discussions and tours of advanced military technology facilities, underscores Myanmar’s interest in deepening defence cooperation with Beijing. The visit also highlights the country’s efforts to modernise its military capabilities through strategic partnerships.
The Xiangshan Forum, a key platform for dialogue among defence leaders from Asia and beyond, provided General Maung Maung Aye with an opportunity to engage with international counterparts. His participation in the 3rd and 4th plenary sessions on 19 September signalled Myanmar’s commitment to regional security cooperation.
Beyond the forum, the Myanmar delegation took a deep dive into China’s defence industrial capabilities. On 18 and 19 September, they visited several advanced military technology companies in Beijing, observing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production, aviation technology equipment, electronic warfare systems, and air defence technology weapons. These visits were not merely observational; the delegation actively discussed potential areas of technical cooperation with company officials, indicating a serious intent to explore collaborative opportunities.
The tour of China’s defence industry is particularly significant given Myanmar’s ongoing efforts to modernise its military. The country has been investing in upgrading its defence capabilities, and partnerships with China—one of the world’s leading defence technology exporters—could play a crucial role in this process. The focus on UAVs, electronic warfare, and air defence systems suggests Myanmar is prioritising technologies that could enhance its operational readiness and strategic deterrence.
On 20 September, the delegation met with staff and families of the Myanmar Embassy in Beijing, as well as military attachés and students undergoing training in China. General Maung Maung Aye took the opportunity to brief them on the current situation of national development, reinforcing the government’s narrative and maintaining morale among its overseas personnel. The gesture also highlighted the importance of diplomatic and military ties between Myanmar and China.
The visit concluded with the delegation’s return to Yangon on the evening of 20 September. While the immediate outcomes of the trip remain to be seen, the engagement with China’s defence sector and the discussions on potential technical cooperation could have long-term implications for Myanmar’s military modernisation efforts.
This visit comes at a time when Myanmar is navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, balancing relationships with neighbouring countries and global powers. China, as a key regional player, offers both strategic and economic advantages, making it a natural partner for Myanmar’s defence sector. The deepening of defence ties could further integrate Myanmar into China’s broader security architecture, potentially influencing regional power dynamics.
As Myanmar continues to develop its military capabilities, partnerships like those explored during this visit will be crucial. The focus on advanced technologies such as UAVs and electronic warfare systems indicates a forward-looking approach, aligning with global trends in defence innovation. However, the success of these partnerships will depend on Myanmar’s ability to translate discussions into tangible cooperation, ensuring that the technologies and expertise gained contribute meaningfully to its national defence strategy.