China’s President Xi Jinping pledged on Friday to support Myanmar in its rebuilding efforts following the Southeast Asian nation’s deadliest earthquake in recent years, according to state media Xinhua.

President Xi met with Myanmar regime leader Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow, Russia, and discussed several initiatives.

The natural disaster has bolstered the position of Min Aung Hlaing, who has been isolated diplomatically for four years after his military staged a 2021 coup and ousted an elected government, which sparked a brutal civil war.

The earthquake has enabled the regime leader to re-establish ties with regional powers, with offers of millions in aid, relief supplies, and rescue workers from countries including China, India and Russia.

“Myanmar highly appreciates the three global initiatives proposed by China and the vision of building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries, and stands ready to work with China to address common challenges,” said Min Aung Hlaing.

REUTERS