Myanmar's junta chief is becoming a frequent flier.

In the last six months, Min Aung Hlaing has flown to more countries than he did in the years after he grabbed power in a 2021 coup that ousted an elected civilian government.

His travels - part of a diplomatic push by Min Aung Hlaing to win support for a controversial December election - include two trips each to key allies China and Russia, and one each to Thailand, Belarus and, this week, to Kazakhstan.

Together, they have yielded bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, building on momentum that started in the wake of a deadly March earthquake.

"Min Aung Hlaing's frequent foreign trips this year are a reflection of his increased confidence - less elite threats against him, an improved battlefield situation, and eased international diplomatic isolation," said Richard Horsey, senior Myanmar adviser at Crisis Group, referring to the military winning back control of some towns.

A junta spokesperson did not respond to calls seeking comment but state media has featured Min Aung Hlaing's international trips prominently on their front pages, describing them as positive developments for the country.

"To summarise all the trips, all three countries welcomed Myanmar's election," junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told state media referring to Min Aung Hlaing's most recent trips to China, Russia and Kazakhstan.

After the coup, and the military's crackdown on protesters, Myanmar became a pariah in many capitals, with some countries imposing sanctions on the generals. In an unprecedented move, the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes Myanmar, banned Min Aung Hlaing and top junta ministers from their summits. 

Last November, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced he would seek an arrest warrant against the 69-year-old general for crimes against humanity, limiting his travel options.

Battling an unprecedented nationwide armed uprising...