"Myanmar Junta Turns to China to Prop Up Crisis-Hit Gemstone Sector", The Irrawaddy, 2 March 2026

Myanmar and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly organize a gems exhibition [...] a move that underscores the regime’s growing dependence on China to keep the gemstone economy alive [...].

The agreement was signed on February 24 by junta Natural Resources Minister [...].

[...] the industry has also been synonymous with violence, corruption and environmental devastation. [...].

Jade money has financed nearly every armed actor in northern Myanmar for decades. [...].

[...] the junta has been trying to diversify its gemstone outreach. Myanmar Pearl Enterprise hosted a “South Sea Pearl Auction” in Hong Kong from February 26 to March 1 [...].

In September last year, the Ministry of Commerce held a promotional event [...] in Nanning. [...]. Commerce Minister [...] highlighted the quality of Myanmar’s rubies and sapphires [...].

An observer of Myanmar-China relations said the exhibition is the junta’s latest attempt to find new markets for gems after years of international sanctions, referring to a series of Western democracies’ sanctions on the junta since its 2021 coup.