Myanmar junta leader to visit Vietnam in latest diplomatic push

Myanmar's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is scheduled to visit Vietnam this weekend, according to both nations, signaling a diplomatic push for recognition in the region. The visit comes after Hlaing triggered a civil war in Myanmar in 2021 by overthrowing the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and detaining her. In April, Hlaing took over as civilian president following highly restricted elections.

The Myanmar foreign ministry announced that Hlaing would meet with Vietnam's President To Lam, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, and the president of the national assembly. The visit aims to foster "mutually beneficial cooperation between the two governments," though the exact dates of the trip remain unspecified. Vietnam's state media reported that Hlaing will be in the country from September 4 to 6.

Following the coup, most of the international community had shunned Myanmar's leadership, which led to a civil war that some estimates suggest has claimed 100,000 lives. However, there has been a shift since the elections, with many neighboring nations welcoming Hlaing despite doubts about the legitimacy of the vote. India, Laos, and Thailand have all received him warmly since he became civilian president.

Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow defended the decision to host Hlaing in Bangkok last month, stating that it is about reality, not legitimacy. Hlaing has also been welcomed by Russia and Belarus recently. China, which previously backed him, also granted him a red carpet welcome in Beijing in June.