Myanmar, China to Sign Agreements on SEZ, Border Economic Cooperation During President Xi’s Visit

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Thursday that Xi will visit Myanmar on Jan. 17-18 at the invitation of Myanmar President U Win Myint. Experts said the trip demonstrates Myanmar’s geographic importance to China’s effort to establish a strategic presence in the Indian Ocean, and is aimed at seeking Myanmar leaders’ support for backbone projects planned in the country as part of Xi’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).