Myanmar’s Acting President and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said that reopening Myanmar-China border gates could greatly boost regional trade routes linking Myanmar’s northeast to Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guangxi, and Nanning.

Speaking at the 2nd Myanmar-China Economic Cooperation Meeting in Chengdu on September 6, he stressed that border trade is vital for both nations’ economies. Of the eight official checkpoints along the border, only the Muse–Ruili gate is currently open due to armed group activity, which has hurt bilateral trade. He called for joint efforts to restore peace and stability so trade can resume.

He noted that China’s southwestern provinces are also suffering economically from the current disruptions. If border gates reopen, trade could expand beyond Yunnan into central and southern China, turning Myanmar into a key land bridge connecting China with ASEAN.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted ongoing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, including rail, port, and power projects such as the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port and the China-Myanmar railway. He emphasized that improved transport links would not only benefit Myanmar and China but could also extend trade toward Russia and Europe.

The Acting President also underlined Myanmar’s strategic location between China, India, and Bangladesh, describing it as an important crossroads for South and Southeast Asia. He welcomed further Chinese investment in education, health, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, and said Myanmar remains committed to regional frameworks such as RCEP and ASEAN-China trade agreements.