Chinese Foreign Minister kicked off a four-nation tour of Southeast Asia in Myanmar on Monday where he met with newly re-elected President Win Myint (photo) and Aung Sang Suu Kyi, the de facto head of the government and leader of the ruling National League for Democracy party.

Myanmar is one of Asia’s poorest countries, and like many states in Africa, it’s struggling to simultaneously deal with the worsening COVID-19 pandemic and a faltering economy. Wang, just as he did last week, led his messaging with the announcement that China will donate 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and promised more infrastructure development as part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

SUGGESTED READING:

• Reuters: Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi visits Myanmar in SE Asia tour, promises vaccines Sam Aung Moon
• South China Morning Post: China moves to charm Asia ahead of Biden presidency by Laura Zhou
• The Diplomat: Beijing’s New Toys in Myanmar by Amara Thiha