Four years after Myanmar’s military seized power in a coup, the junta remains largely internationally isolated – but it found a sudden and important foothold in Asia this week. Increasingly, some of the region’s most powerful leaders are extending diplomatic recognition to General Min Aung Hlaing, offering him a platform on the global stage despite accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet in Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit last week, where Min Aung Hlaing hobnobbed with dictators and democratically-elected leaders alike. The junta hailed the “successful and fruitful” trip as proof of growing “international recognition”.
