CNI News
May 22, 2026
At present, rather than invading a nation through military means, powerful countries are leveraging aid and assistance to dominate and control them, said General Ye Win Oo, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces.
He made these remarks during the 23rd ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting (ACDFM-23) held on May 21, 2026.
General Ye Win Oo stated, "At present, it is observed that rather than invading a country via military methods, powerful nations are employing multidimensional approaches—political, economic, social, ideological, propaganda, military, and diplomatic—through the provision of aid and assistance in order to exert influence and control over that country."
In particular, certain powerful nations are engaged in competitive efforts to bring smaller countries in the Asia-Pacific region under their influence. This ranges from political and economic dominance to military alignment, including the formation of alliance blocs and the execution of military exercises to achieve military leverage, General Ye Win Oo added.
Lieutenant General Than Htike, Chief of Staff (Army) of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army).
He further noted that the foundation for regional stability, development, and future security relies heavily on the security environment of each individual member state. Therefore, to strengthen regional stability and address deep, complex challenges in the future, all member nations must overcome and respond collectively through unity and cooperation.
Aligning with the theme of the meeting, "Securing Our Future, Together," General Ye Win Oo reaffirmed, "I would like to firmly state that the Myanmar Armed Forces will actively collaborate and work hand-in-hand with ASEAN member nations for the socio-economic development of the people, as well as the stability and security of the region in the future."
Lieutenant General Kyaw Ko Htike, Chief of Military Security Affairs.
In related sessions, a delegation led by Lieutenant General Than Htike, Chief of Staff (Army) from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), attended and participated in discussions at the 16th ASEAN Military Operations Meetings on May 19.
Similarly, a delegation led by Lieutenant General Kyaw Ko Htike, Chief of Military Security Affairs, attended the 3rd ASEAN Military Intelligence Community Leaders' Conference (AMICLC-3) and the 23rd ASEAN Military Intelligence Meeting, held on May 19 and 20.
