Min Aung Hlaing

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (born 1956, Tavoy, Tenasserim Division ) is the current commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces.

Early life and Career
Min Aung Hlaing attended the Defense Services Academy where he was reportedly shunned by classmates because of his reserved personality. Following graduation he went on to command positions in Mon State and in 2002, he was promoted to Commander of the Triangle Regional Command and was a central figure in negotiations with two rebel groups, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA).

Command Appointments
He rose to prominence in 2009 after leading an offensive against the insurgent Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army in Kokang.

In June 2010, Min Aung Hlaing replaced Gen Shwe Mann as Joint Chief of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

In November, 2011, according to the online newsmagazine, The Irrawaddy, it was "widely believed" that following Min Aung Hlaing's meetings with Chinese military officials that month and his leadership in creating a bilateral agreement on defense cooperation with the Chinese, he had also held talks with Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping regarding cooperation from China with respect to the Kachin Conflict.

On March 27, 2012, during a speech in Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing defended the military’s continued role in national politics.

On April 3, 2012, the Government of Myanmar announced that Min Aung Hlaing has been promoted to vice-senior general, the second highest rank in the Myanmar Armed Forces. He was promoted to senior general in March 2013.