CNI News

5 September 2025

As a state leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, was invited to China, and everyone closely watched which world leaders he would meet and hold discussions with during the trip.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing began his trip to China on August 30, 2025, and attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held from August 31 to September 1, where he took part in discussions.

On September 3, he also attended the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War.

During the trip, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the ASEAN Secretary-General, Kazakh President, as well as other international leaders.

In addition, he met with Chinese and Myanmar business leaders, inviting them to invest in Myanmar. He also held discussions with scholars from Wuhan University regarding providing assistance to Myanmar's satellite technology.

Similarly, agreements on China-Myanmar-India economic cooperation were signed. Other topics discussed included the renovation of the Ledo Road, restarting the Myitsone Dam project, purchasing electricity from Laos, resuming China-Myanmar border trade, strengthening India-Myanmar cooperation in mining and security sectors, and other bilateral relations.

Furthermore, it is reported that China, India, Laos, and other countries expressed their support for the upcoming elections in Myanmar.

CNI News

5 September 2025

Some members of the HPDF-124 group, which operates in the Homalin Township of upper Sagaing Region, were accused of attempting to form a Shanni PDF (People's Defense Force), arrested, and handed over to the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to local sources.

The leader of the group, Sai Aung, and his members were arrested in August 2025 at Nat Nan Village in Homalin Township by a combined force of around 200 from NUG-affiliated PDFs, People's Administration Teams, and Khamti District Battalion. After their arrest, they were transferred to Kachin State.

Homalin HPDF-124 and the KIA have jointly controlled Nat Nan Village in Homalin Township.

CNI News

5 September 2025

While the State Security and Peace Commission has declared the Karen National Union (KNU) a terrorist organization and an unlawful association, questions are being raised among military and political analysts as to why the Kachin Independence Army/Organization (KIA/KIO) has not received the same designation.

On August 28, 2025, the Commission’s Anti-Terrorism Central Committee formally declared the KNU a terrorist group, and the Ministry of Home Affairs simultaneously declared it an unlawful association.

Although the KIA is not a signatory of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), it still maintains communication channels with the Commission, which could be the reason it has not been designated a terrorist group, Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO–NCA/S), told CNI News.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and some KNU leaders

“The KIA is not among the NCA signatories, but it was among the groups that drafted the NCA. The KIA has opened a communication channel with the SSPC. Even though fighting continues on one side, because that communication channel remains open, it’s possible that the KIA is not being declared a terrorist group in order to keep it from closing.” he said.

Although the KIA informed the Myanmar Tatmadaw that it was willing to attend peace talks if they were held in Myitkyina, Kachin State, the Tatmadaw has not yet responded, KIA Deputy Commander-in-Chief General Gunmaw told the BBC.

Currently, while the Myanmar Tatmadaw is engaged in battles with the KNU, clashes with the KIA are far more frequent and intense. Moreover, the Tatmadaw has lost many territories to the KIA. This raises questions as to why the government chose to label the KNU — rather than the KIA — as a terrorist group, analysts say.

Lt- Gen Gunmaw, a leader of the KIA

Regarding the elections, the KNU has issued strong oppositional statements rejecting the process, while the KIA has only stated that it will not allow polling stations within its controlled territory. Since the KIA has not explicitly declared that it will sabotage or obstruct the Commission’s planned elections, it may have avoided the terrorist designation, said Sai Htaung Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP).

“When asked why, I think it’s because KIA Colonel Naw Bu only said elections cannot be held in their territory. But the KNU went further, strongly denouncing the elections as illegitimate. Their statements were harsher than those of the KIA. That could be one part of the reason. As far as I know, the KIA is skilled at playing both the political and military fronts. They assess the central government’s situation carefully. When the government is weak, they apply military pressure; when the government is strong, they engage in peace talks. The KIA has operated that way across generations.” he said.

The Commission has designated 18 townships across six districts — Myitkyina, Tanai, Chipwi, Bhamo, Putao, and Mohnyin — as constituencies for elections. Among them, Chipwi, Sawlaw, Sumprabum, Mansi, Momauk, and Injanyang are under KIA control.

CNI News

4 September 2025

In Myanmar, the rare earth mining industry is currently dominated by Chinese companies and the Chinese market. Analysts in military and political affairs are now debating which regions India might be able to enter if it were to begin rare earth mining in Myanmar.

During the Chairman of Myanmar’s State Security and Peace Commission’s trip to China, he also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas including rare earth mining and security.

Since the rare earth deposits along the China–Myanmar border in Kachin State are already controlled by Chinese operators, political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that if India were to pursue rare earth mining through a government-to-government (G to G) agreement, it would most likely do so in Sagaing Region.

“Especially in the northwest part of Myanmar, which has not yet been extensively explored — the upper areas where Kachin State borders Sagaing Region. In particular, the towns and villages along the route where Japanese forces advanced through the Inpha–Kohima corridor during World War II, such as Pansaung, Mawlike, and Homalin. India could connect to those areas to explore rare earth deposits. It’s possible we don’t yet know the full extent of the reserves there. Such locations would certainly interest India. That’s why I believe this issue was discussed with Myanmar’s Acting President. If rare earths are to be transported out of Myanmar, it would be through the Inpha–Kohima and Tamu routes. Although there isn’t yet major trade between the two countries, there are strong cross-border ties between peoples — across India’s Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram states that border Myanmar.” he said.

Rare earth mining site

Just last month, reports emerged that the U.S. is also showing interest in Myanmar’s rare earth resources. Following this, the BBC reported that India has committed to repairing and reopening the World War II “Ledo Road” (also known as the Stilwell Road), which had been used for wartime transport, so that it could again be used for trade.

That road runs from Ledo in India through the upper Sagaing Region and Kachin State in Myanmar, extending all the way to Kunming in China. It was abandoned in November 1945, after the end of the war, and remains unused today.

Although Sagaing Region borders India, Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that if mining were to take place in the Panwa area, it would be close to India.

While seeing rare earth and armed group

“As for which areas are possible — I’ve heard there are potential sites in Sagaing. Sagaing is very close to India. Panwa is geographically closer to China, but with improved transport routes, it could be linked to India in a single day. The Stilwell Road that was used to reach India back in the past, which already has good road infrastructure on the Indian side. Only the Myanmar side remains underdeveloped. That road is expected to be repaired again, so it’s possible that it could also be used for rare earth transport. Myanmar has quite a lot of rare earth–bearing areas. If rare earths were mined in Panwa today, it would also be close to India.” he said.

Currently, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) controls rare earth–producing areas including Panwa, where nearly 300 rare earth mining sites are located. Before the KIA took control, Myanmar was exporting rare earths to China. According to Chinese customs data, in September 2024, 4,200 tons of rare earth were exported to China. During clashes in Chipwi and Panwa between October and December of that year, over 3,300 tons were still exported.

At present, rare earth mining operations and revenues in Kachin State remain under KIA control. Similarly, in Shan State, rare earth mining areas are controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA).

CNI News

4 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, said that Myanmar wishes to participate under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to cooperate on regional security and the development of modern technologies.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made these remarks during his discussion at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization - SCO Summit 2025 Plus, held at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention Center in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025.

He stated that in the security sector, the SCO has been actively cooperating in counter-terrorism efforts, and he has witnessed effective successes in fighting the threats of terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the current era.

While Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was attending the SCO Summit on September 1, 2025

He also mentioned that since the organization is focused on collaborating on modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology for data governance, member countries are benefiting from technological advancements. He also said he saw potential for collective defense against future technology-based attacks.

He said, "Myanmar wishes to participate under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to cooperate on regional security and the development of modern technologies."

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed his support for Chinese President Xi Jinping's five-point Global Governance Initiatives (GGI) and earnestly requested support for Myanmar to become a member state of the SCO.

Afterward, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met and discussed with other leaders who attended the SCO summit, including the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the President of Mongolia, the Prime Minister of Nepal, the ASEAN Secretary-General, the SCO Secretary-General, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

CNI News

3 September 2025

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said that the Tatmadaw is striving to continue firmly on the path of multi-party democracy desired by the people.

He made the statement on September 2, 2025, during a meeting with families from the Myanmar Embassy and Military Attaché Office, as well as students, at the Myanmar Embassy in Beijing, China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that since gaining independence, Myanmar has followed various political and economic systems. He said that the Tatmadaw held a multi-party democratic general election in 2010 to put the country on the path of multi-party democracy.

He further noted that the Tatmadaw is working to ensure the stability of the multi-party democratic system and has also been striving for internal peace, as peace is essential for implementing a democratic system.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "As members of the Tatmadaw are part of the people, and the Tatmadaw is part of the state, the Tatmadaw is striving to continue firmly on the multi-party democratic path desired by the people."

He mentioned that they are making preparations to hold an election this December and are working to ensure that all eligible voters can cast their votes. He stated that the election will be held in phases based on the stability and peace of each region. He also noted that the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) system will be used to prevent errors in voter lists.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing added that candidates running in the election should be educated. He said that when the election is held, it is important to be able to elect representatives who can benefit the nation and their respective regions.

In Myanmar, Phase 1 of the election will be held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships, with the remaining constituencies holding elections in January 2026.

He concluded by stating that power will be transferred to the winning political party, and the Tatmadaw will continue to perform its duty of defense.

CNI News 

3 September 2025

The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the National League for Democracy (NLD) has been acting with a factional authoritarian style during the revolution, according to Ko Sithu Maung, spokesperson of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH).

On August 30, 2025, the NLD CWC group held a party regular meeting and decided to temporarily suspend Ko Sithu Maung’s party membership. The resolution stated that he could submit an appeal to either the forthcoming National Conference or the Central Committee meeting.

Regarding the decision, Ko Sithu Maung said on his Facebook page on September 1, 2025, that the reasons for his suspension had not been clarified, nor had he been formally informed until now.

“I wrote analyses of the incidents that occurred during the four-year period of NLD CWC and explained them part by part. If they take such action against me without even trying to clarify, it shows that political tolerance is fading. If the attitude is ‘don’t criticize us, don’t point out our mistakes, whether our actions are right or wrong is none of your business, and if you criticize, we’ll act against you in meetings as a group,’ then this is nothing but a factional authoritarian mindset in the middle of a revolution.” he said.

Ko Sithu Maung further responded that the so-called NLD CWC group neither had the authority nor the right to take disciplinary action, and that he had not even applied for party membership through the CWC.

“In a political party, disciplinary action means the Disciplinary Committee must conduct an inquiry. If wrongdoing is found, the decision must be made at a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting. The CWC, as a nominal group, has neither the authority nor the right to act this way. I did not apply for party membership through the CWC. The only possible reason they took this action may be because of the documents I have written, which are shared in the links below. Those interested can read them.” he added.

Ko Sithu Maung had contested in the 2020 general election as an NLD candidate in Yangon Region’s Pabedan Township and was elected as a Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives) MP.

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw ousted the NLD government, citing unresolved disputes over the 2020 general election voter list, and declared a state of emergency. Following this political upheaval, Ko Sithu Maung opposed the coup and joined the CRPH, where he has been serving as its spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the NLD CWC includes members such as U Aung Kyi Nyunt, Daw May Win Myint, U Tun Myint, U Kyaw Htwe, U Myo Nyunt, U Win Aung, U Tint Htut Oo, and Dr. Khin Saung, most of whom have fled abroad.

According to the NLD’s constitution, the formation of the CWC is illegitimate, as stated by U Toe Lwin, who was responsible for party discipline enforcement.

CNI News

3 September 2025

The President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, expressed his country’s support for Myanmar’s upcoming election and confirmed that Laos will send an election observation mission. He made the remarks during a meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.

The two leaders met on September 1, 2025, at the Renaissance Tianjin Lake Hotel in Tianjin, China. During the talks, they discussed issues of border stability and peace between the two countries, enhanced government-to-government friendship and cooperation, as well as opportunities to further boost cooperation in tourism and trade, according to the announcement from Naypyitaw.

They also discussed cooperation between the two armed forces, Laos’ support for the successful holding of Myanmar’s upcoming election, and plans to send an election observation team. The talks additionally covered the promotion of cooperation in a wide range of other sectors.

Myanmar is scheduled to hold its general election on December 28, 2025, in Phase 1, covering 102 townships.

Meanwhile, revolutionary groups have declared their intent to disrupt and sabotage the election, warning that they will take action against those cooperating in holding elections.

On July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing signed into law the Election Security and Protection Act, which stipulates that anyone who obstructs, sabotages, or causes damage to the election—or commits acts leading to loss of life—can face a minimum of 10 years in prison, up to life imprisonment, or the death penalty.

CNI News

3 September 2025

The declaration of the Karen National Union (KNU) as a terrorist organization and unlawful association has sparked comments among military and political analysts on whether it means expulsion from the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

On August 28, 2025, the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee under the National Security and Peace Commission declared the KNU a terrorist organization, while the Ministry of Home Affairs announced it as an unlawful association. Since the KNU is a signatory to the NCA, the declaration has raised questions.

Dr. Aung Myo, a Myanmar political analyst, told CNI News that the move was more like a suspension than a complete expulsion from the NCA:

“In the NCA agreement, it doesn’t say that if a group becomes a terrorist, the membership is automatically void. There is no law that states the agreement ends if one party is declared a terrorist. The current decision depends on practical actions. Legally speaking, one cannot say the KNU has been removed from NCA membership. Even if the group abandons terrorism and wants to rejoin, a new agreement is not required. It is more accurate to say the KNU’s membership has been temporarily suspended.”

KNU leader and Minister U Aung Min exchanging documents at the NCA signing ceremony on October 15, 2015

The KNU was declared a terrorist and unlawful association on the grounds that it carried out terrorist acts within the country, threatened the rule of law, disrupted national peace and stability, and endangered the security and well-being of the public.

After the February 1, 2021 political change, the KNU had already announced its withdrawal from the NCA.

Regarding the recent declaration, Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), said to CNI News that it appeared to be a response from the military to the KNU’s increasingly strong oppositional statements and interviews:

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and former KNU Chairman

“Since the NCA has already been ratified by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, it is a legal document. Signatories can withdraw voluntarily, and they can also dissolve it by themselves. But the NCA itself does not expire. Therefore, the principles and provisions of the NCA are still valid. Some groups comply with it, others don’t. Within the KNU, there are factions. For example, Brigade 7 refrains from fighting and tries to find peaceful solutions according to the NCA. Some leaders cooperate with the Karen State government and maintain engagement. That’s why the government has treated the KNU with a certain level of tolerance. But now, as elections approach and the KNU has openly declared strong opposition attitude, the government has invoked the terrorism and unlawful association law against it.”

The declaration came shortly after the KNU’s August 26 statement, which urged Karen armed groups, political forces, parties, and the public to oppose the upcoming election through non-violent means. The group characterized the election as one designed to favor individuals and parties aligned with the military.

Meanwhile, intense fighting continues between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KNU.