The leader of Myanmar's junta is visiting China for the first time since taking power in a coup more than three years ago. Some observers say it's an attempt to legitimize the military's rule.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to attend a series of summits from Wednesday with his counterparts from countries in the Mekong region. Myanmar's military says he will also discuss enhancing economic ties with officials from Beijing.

The junta is struggling to maintain power in a drawn out battle with pro-democracy forces and armed ethnic minority groups.

China shares a border with Myanmar and has mediated peace talks.
Officials in Beijing place high strategic value on their neighbor. China imports natural resources including crude oil from the Indian ocean, and the pipelines run through Myanmar.