CNI News

11 March 2024

There are reviews among political circles regarding how the diplomatic rivalry between the State Administration Council (SAC) and the National Unity Government (NUG) is. 

The SAC and the NUG have been competing in political, military and diplomatic affairs starting from 1st February, 2021.

There are more than 190 counties in the United Nations (UN) and over 120 countries support and recognize the NUG. On the other hand, only a few countries including Russia and China support and recognize the SAC, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing the SAC government

"Among over 190 countries which are included in the UN, 127 countries support the NUG. About 35 countries are non-aligned. China, Russia and some of their followers only support the SAC. I think they are only five countries in total. By looking at this position, which side has the upper hand in diplomacy is obvious. As the ASEAN is a colorful organization. Some countries did what the SAC liked. But because the ASEAN was able to lay down five decisions, it was obvious which side is stronger." he said.

The SAC and the NUG are trying to get recognition from neighboring countries including the UN and the ASEAN. The ASEAN Annual Defense Ministers Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos, on 5th March, 2024 was attended by U Zaw Naing Win, director general of the Defense Ministry's International Affairs Department.

Because the SAC attended the ASEAN Annual Defense Ministers Meeting, it couldn't be said that the SAC has had the upper hand in the diplomatic affairs. According to the 2008 Constitution, the SAC was currently a legitimate government, Dr.Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing members of the NUG

" In any case, the SAC is a legitimate government. Generals only take the responsibility for The Ministry of Defense. A person wearing the current military uniform attended the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting. It's no wonder. He must be allowed to attend the meeting. So, the SAC has had the upper hand in diplomatic affairs, that we can't say it for sure. According the 2008 Constitution, the SAC is currently a legitimate government which some accepted while others don't." he said.

Having said that the NLD was trying to form a government without solving the vote list dispute that took place in the 2020 general election, the Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government on 1st February, 2021 and it has taken the State power after declaring the state of emergency.