Since the coup, Myanmar has been in chaos, including areas along its border with China, as an armed resistance movement combined with ethnic minority militias set up to wrest control of large territories from the military government.

Min Aung Hlaing will attend the Greater Mekong Subregion and Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) summits and participate in a meeting with Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam on Nov. 6 and 7 in Kunming, he said MRTV.

“He will hold meetings and conversations with Chinese authorities and work to improve the bilateral relationship, the economy and development in various sectors,” he said, referring to the head of the junta.

The deterioration of Myanmar’s military, in the face of rapid advances by anti-junta fighters since a surprise offensive last October, has alarmed China, which has sealed parts of the border and stopped key imports to rebel-held areas, it reported. Reuters.

China has strategic economic interests in Myanmar, including major oil and gas pipelines crisscrossing the country and a planned deep-water port in the Bay of Bengal.

Beijing too import rare earths from its smaller neighbor for use in the automotive and wind energy sectors.

“Whether you go there for more Chinese support or more Chinese pressure, it’s only bad for the people,” said David Mathieson, an independent analyst who follows Myanmar.

“China has made it clear that it supports the SAC and its electoral transition plan,” he said, referring to the junta’s State Administration Council, headed by Min Aung Hlaing.

The junta launched a nationwide census last month to pave the way for next year’s elections, despite having no control over large parts of the country and with dozens of political parties dissolved.

Beijing promised technical support and help to junta for census and proposed elections, Myanmar state media said in August after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Min Aung Hlaing.

The meeting, held in Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, was seen by some critics as Beijing’s backing of the junta and activists in the war-torn country has expressed frustration to China’s position, calling it a barrier to its fight for democracy.