China Tightens Mekong Grip on Myanmar; Scam Crackdown Hits Naypyitaw; and More

Myanmar’s junta used the 10th anniversary of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) in Naypyitaw on Thursday to reaffirm its alignment with Beijing, as China expands its economic and political influence across the Mekong region. Foreign Minister Than Swe told diplomats from the six member states that 2026 will be a pivotal year as the MLC—instituted by China to manage growing opposition from downstream countries to its dam development program—enters its second decade.

Than Swe said Myanmar was committed to building a “peaceful, prosperous and sustainably developed” Mekong community. He highlighted Myanmar’s role as MLC co‑chair from 2020 to 2023, citing the adoption of the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration, the 2023–2027 Five‑Year Plan of Action, and agreement for an “MLC innovation‑corridor”. He said Myanmar had received 132 projects worth US$ 38.6 million from the MLC Special Fund since 2017—the highest among Mekong countries.

Chinese Ambassador Ma Jia acknowledged that Myanmar has been one of the largest beneficiaries of LMC assistance. Trade between China and the five Mekong countries reached US$500.9 billion in 2025, a 150‑percent increase since the LMC’s inception—underscoring the framework’s central role in Beijing’s regional strategy.