China and Myanmar have a long history of diplomatic relations. The two countries share ties in areas of trade, transportation, and national security. In 2014, trade with China totalled one-third of Myanmar's total foreign trade, making China Myanmar's largest trade partner.

According to China Ministry of Commerce, total trade exceeded US$2.7 billion  dollars from 2014 to 2015. China is working with Myanmar on a railway project worth US$20 billion -- that is expected to be completed by 2018.