Instead, they invited him to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province to Myanmar’s north, for a small regional summit hosted by Li Qiang, China’s premier. But their real purpose is to prod him to lay out plans for fresh elections in 2025.

Premier Li Qiang and visiting military leader Min Aung Hlaing also discussed the breakdown of a ceasefire brokered by Beijing earlier this year.

China's Premier Li Qiang expressed support for Myanmar's political reconciliation and 2025 election plans in a meeting with Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Wednesday, according to state media outlets.

Myanmar's embattled junta chief arrived in China Tuesday -- his first reported visit since leading a coup in 2021 -- but analysts say the invitation is only a lukewarm endorsement from his key ally and could backfire.

Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will visit China to attend key regional summits. This marks his first trip since the 2021 coup. Facing internal conflict and external scrutiny, his visit aims to strengthen Myanmar-China relations amid growing resistance movements along their border.

Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will travel to China this week to attend regional summits, state media said on Monday, in the embattled top general's first visit to the influential neighbouring nation since he seized power in a 2021 coup.