CNI News

12 September 2025

Brigade 972 of the Shanni Nationalities Unity Council (SNUC)/Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) held a graduation ceremony for a military training course attended by 500 trainees.

The graduation ceremony for SNA Brigade 972's Basic Military Training Course No. 1, Batch 13/2025, was held on September 11, 2025, in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region.

CNI News

11 September 2025

China will not permit the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) to become stronger than it already is, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China–Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News.

She explained that the KIA, as an armed group operating in Kachin State, is geographically limited and will focus mainly on Kachin regional affairs. Because of its proximity to China, it would not be easy for the KIA to further strengthen itself.

“China has made it very clear already. It told the Wa and the Kokang not to support the KIA. So the KIA will have to survive and strengthen itself on its own. It will keep working to consolidate and entrench itself in its territory. But I don’t think it can go much further than that. The KIA can only focus on becoming strong and stable in Kachin State. China will not allow it to expand beyond that. Although China doesn’t have as much influence over the KIA as it does over the Wa or Kokang, the KIA territory borders China. Trade and all other activities are interconnected there, so there will naturally be some limited support. But making the KIA significantly stronger is not easy. They will have to focus on consolidating power in the area they already control. The KIA’s main struggle will remain centered on the Kachin State—pursuing federalism and self-determination.”, said Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw.

KIA Deputy Commander-in-Chief Gun Maw meeting Chin Brotherhood leaders in Laiza

During July and August 2025, the KIA headquarters hosted meetings with Spring Revolution forces including the Chin Brotherhood (CB), the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), the Yaw Army, Myingyan PDF, NUG ministers, and Naga armed groups.

The KIA has also been providing training, weapons and ammunition, and shelter to revolutionary forces, and has supported joint operations in Sagaing Region and Kachin State.

At a time when three northern alliances are weakened under Chinese pressure, the KIA could become an increasingly central unifying force, said Colonel Khun Okka, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), speaking to CNI News.

KIA Deputy Commander-in-Chief Gun Maw meeting Yaw Army leaders in Laiza

“The KIA is a veteran organization with much experience. It has capable leaders. While it is fighting on the ground, at the same time it manages alliances, international relations, connections with Western countries, Europe, China, and Japan. It is an organization that can handle these matters effectively. That’s why the KIA doesn’t make extreme decisions—it maintains balance. This reflects its political maturity and prudence. So, at this time when northern groups are weak, the KIA could slowly become the main unifying force.”, he explained.

Sources close to the matter say that the KIA headquarters is currently hosting groups such as the Arakan Army (AA), Naga armed groups (ENDA/ENNO), NUG, NUCC, CNF, ABSDF, and PDF forces.

The KIA is also said to be in negotiations to meet with the Myanmar Tatmadaw. At the same time, with the election approaching, the KIA is gathering Spring Revolution forces and preparing both militarily and politically for the country’s shifting political landscape, according to those familiar with the situation.

CNI News

11 September 2025

In preparation for the upcoming election in Myanmar, the Union Election Commission (UEC) announced on September 9, 2025, that four political parties—including the National Democratic Force (NDF), from which Daw Sandar Min, who left the National League for Democracy (NLD), planned to contest—have been dissolved.

Among the four dissolved parties, three were registered to contest nationwide, while one was registered to contest only in a single state or region.

The parties are: the National Democratic Force (NDF), the Democratic Party of National Politics (DNP), the Women’s Party (Mon)—all three of which were nationwide parties, and the Union Farmers and Workers Force Party, which was limited to contesting in only one state/region.

The NDF was led by Daw Sandar Min, U Htet Aung Kyaw, and Dr. Myo Set Thway. The DNP was led by former Presidential Office Minister, Lt. Gen. (retired) Soe Maung.

According to the UEC, the parties were dissolved due to failing to meet the required minimum number of party members and the required number of party offices.

The Union Election Commission had previously announced on August 20 that, under Sections 5 (f) and (g) of the Political Parties Registration Law, all political parties must ensure compliance with the required number of members and party offices and submit proof to the Commission by September 7, 2025.

As of the deadline, the NDF failed to meet the minimum number of members as required under Section 5(f), while the DNP, the Women’s Party (Mon), and the Union Farmers and Workers Force Party failed to meet the required number of party offices under Section 5(g). As a result, these four parties were dissolved under Section 12(a)(9) and (10) of the law.

Therefore, out of the nine parties that had registered to contest nationwide in the general election on December 28, 2025, only six remain.

The remaining nationwide parties are: the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) led by U Khin Yi, the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP) led by Dr. Thet Thet Khine, the People’s Party (PP) led by U Ko Ko Gyi, the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) led by Sai Aik Paung, the Myanmar Farmers Development Party (MFDP) led by U Kyaw Swar Soe, and the National Unity Party (NUP).

CNI News

11 September 2025

For the upcoming general election in Myanmar, the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), also known as the White Tiger Party, plans to support each of its candidates with 500,000 kyats, by using bank loans as well as personal funds, according to the party chairman Sai Ai Pao.

The SNDP, widely referred to as the White Tiger Party, has registered to contest nationwide.

As such, the party needs to open offices in 110 out of Myanmar’s 330 townships and field more than 400 candidates. Each candidate must also pay a deposit of 500,000 kyats to the Union Election Commission (UEC), in addition to campaign expenses.

SNDP chairman Sai Ai Pao told CNI News that the party will provide each candidate 500,000 kyats, funded through bank loans and personal contributions.

Sai Ai Pao and political party leaders

“It has been a long time since we started preparing. Of course, there are some difficulties in every central process. The financial difficulties—we solve them by taking out loans. We support each candidate with 500,000 kyats. We manage with bank loans and also invest from our own pockets. The government said it would take responsibility for party security, so we rely on the security provided by the government. This time, voters will mainly look at the party and the candidate. Since it’s the online era, we’ll rely heavily on online campaigning.”, he said.

Currently, political parties planning to contest the election in Myanmar are facing challenges such as difficulties in fielding enough candidates, establishing sufficient offices, financial constraints, and security concerns.

According to the Union Election Commission (UEC), candidate application lists will be scrutinized from September 18 to October 4.

Sai Ai Pao said that his party has almost completed opening the required offices, but in some areas where security is weak, they might need an extension of time.

Sai Ai Pao and political party leaders

“We’ve already completed much of the work in Bago, Ayeyarwady, Mandalay, and Shan State. Mon State is also almost complete. Because of the distance, Tanintharyi and Kayin still need more work. If the deadline is extended for those two areas, it will be easier for us. Tanintharyi is especially difficult. In some places, there’s little security—even in the Mandalay Region,  places like Natogyi, Myingyan, Taungtha are not convenient to travel. In Sagaing Region, we’ll only contest in three constituencies. Traveling to Shwebo is very difficult, but we’re still trying. We’ve already completed two constituencies and opened offices. In Sagaing and Monywa, it’s finished. Starting today, we’re paying deposits and swearing oaths. Yangon Region is also nearly completed.”, he said.

The upcoming election is scheduled to be held in phases between December 28, 2025, and January 2026 due to security threats.

Myanmar’s very first general election, held between June 1951 and February 1952, was also conducted in stages because of insecurity and instability in some regions.

CNI News

11 September 2025

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) announced it will effectively take action against those who impersonate the SNA, send letters to the public, and threaten people to extort money, according to SNA Joint Secretary Colonel Se Wam Hpa.

In Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, a group of people have been distributing letters claiming to be from SNA Battalion (4). The group threatened residents to contact 09-68716756 and pay 300 lakh kyats between 4th and 6th September, said in the letters.

The SNA stated that such acts are carried out by enemies disguising themselves as SNA, intimidating the public, and deliberately tarnishing the SNA’s reputation. The SNA emphasized it does not want public fear and anxiety to spread.

Colonel Se Wam Hpa clarified that no SNA Battalion (4) exists in that area, and even the names being used were incorrect.

“Up to this moment, our Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) has never harmed or oppressed our own people. We are also not an organization that would ever cause suffering to the Union. What is happening now is an attempt to damage our national dignity by impersonating the SNA. We will strongly denounce and decisively crush both the individuals carrying this out and the organizations behind them.”, he said.

Currently, SNA Brigade 565 is active in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State.

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) is engaged in clashes in the Indawgyi region with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Kachin People’s Defense Force (KPDF) joint forces, as part of its efforts to defend areas inhabited by the Shanni people.

Fighting has also broken out between SNA and KIA-PDF joint forces in Sagaing Region, particularly in Banmauk, Hkamti, and Tamu townships, which border Kachin State.

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) was founded on July 5, 1989, and is currently organized into five brigades.

CNI News

10 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, spoke about how important Myanmar is for China.

He explained this on September 6, 2025, at the 2nd China-Myanmar Entrepreneurs Cooperation Promotion Meeting held in China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar, being a neighbor of the world’s most populous country China, India, and also densely populated Bangladesh, has many opportunities for trade.

He added that geographically, Myanmar is strategically located at the junction of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. It also sits at a crossroads of regional transport routes, and for China, Myanmar can provide a vital outlet to the Indian Ocean.

Therefore, Myanmar’s transport and infrastructure sectors hold significant potential for China, he noted.

He also said that among the 53 countries that have invested in Myanmar, China ranks second.

The trade value between China and Myanmar amounted to over USD 8 billion in the 2023–2024 fiscal year, and over USD 7.7 billion in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, he explained.

The Senior General stressed that trade between the two countries remains strong, and Myanmar is striving to produce more high-value-added products including timber based ones to supply both domestic and international markets. Hence, Myanmar wishes to further expand trade and investment.

“Our two countries are cooperating in areas such as economy, social affairs, border trade, infrastructure development, transport connectivity, and the operation of border gates, which are key sectors for bilateral trade.” said the commission chairman.

He urged cooperation to reopen border gates where trade has been suspended due to armed group attacks, so that trading activities can resume.

He added that with China’s assistance, Myanmar has been implementing development projects in education and healthcare for socio-economic growth, as well as in electricity, agriculture, industry, and transportation infrastructure. He also mentioned plans to enhance cooperation in technology.

Among China-Myanmar projects, the China-Myanmar railway project is particularly important, as it could bring significant benefits to cross-border trade, he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited China from August 30 to September 6, 2025, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During his trip, he met with President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Chinese and Myanmar entrepreneurs, and officials from Wuhan University. He also visited China’s space and AI technology institutions.

In addition, he held talks with other leaders including Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, Indonesian President Prabowo, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the President of Laos, the President of Kazakhstan, as well as the ASEAN Secretary-General.

He also attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, and the military parade marking the anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the Anti-Fascist Japanese War.

CNI News

10 September 2025

Various comments have arisen among military and political analysts over how important the Indawgyi region in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, is for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Shanni people.

Although the Indawgyi area is largely populated by Shanni people, it was previously under the control of the KIA. However, after the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) began its operations inside Kachin State, it broke into Indawgyi in July 2025 and clashes with the KIA occurred.

Afterwards, the SNA was able to control Indawgyi, Nanmun, and Mamongkaing villages. KIA–PDF forces have occasionally launched assaults in attempts to retake control of these areas.

According to Sai Htay Aung, chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), Indawgyi is an ethnically significant region for the Shanni people and commercially vital for the KIA, with KIA battalions encircling the area.

Indawgyi region

“Indawgyi region is important in terms of ethnicity. For our Shanni people, it can be called an ancestral homeland. Economically and militarily, it is also important—it is a trade route linking to Hpakant. Now, since the KIA controls Hpakant, the main supply of fuel to Hpakant flows through this route. Large machinery and fuel used for jade mining also pass through the Indawgyi and Wekha roads, as well as from the Sezin side. KIA Battalion 26 is stationed in Indawgyi. On the other side, Battalion 44 is there too. Around Indawgyi, KIA battalions are encircling. To the south near Maihtawng, Battalion 35 is there, and also Battalion 6 on the Hpakant road side. Many battalions surround Indawgyi. For them, it is extremely important. For our Shanni people as well, Indawgyi is our homeland. This place becomes militarily important because of its economic value.”, he said.

On August 16, the Arakan Army (AA), together with the KIA, attacked the SNA in Indawgyi, where Shanni populations reside, to regain control. According to locals, the next day, August 17, KIA troops withdrew.

U Thein Tun Oo, executive director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, explained that the KIA’s actions are part of territorial expansion to strengthen itself, and the significance of any territory depends on how it is used.

Kachin Independence Army (KIA)

“There can be many reasons. If we explain from history, it would be very long. The main point is simple: they want to expand territory. With greater territorial control, they become stronger. But behind this, there are also other reasons and motives. The main thing is—holding more land gives them advantages. From the KIA’s perspective, they will calculate how beneficial controlling the area would be. Whether a territory is important or not depends on how it can be utilized. That’s why importance differs depending on perspective.”, he said.

During the time when the KIA controlled Indawgyi, it was reported by locals that the KIA often raided Shanni households, recruited soldiers, and collected money. At Mamongkaing village, they granted businesspeople permission to mine gold at school grounds and a football field.

Currently, it is also reported that in Indawgyi, the KIA prohibits Shanni residents from speaking Shan language over the phone, forcing them to speak only Burmese.

CNI News

9 September 2025

Among the political parties planning to compete in Myanmar’s upcoming general election, those contesting nationwide may face more difficulties than parties contesting only within a single state or region, said Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP).

Parties competing only within one state or region are required to have 1,000 members and to open five party offices in five townships within that state or region. In contrast, parties that contest nationwide must have 50,000 members, establish 110 offices, and field candidates in more than half of all constituencies.

Although nationwide parties may face serious challenges, state- or region-based parties are unlikely to be heavily affected in this election, Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News.

“State/region-based parties must, according to the Political Parties Registration Law, recruit more than 1,000 members and open offices in five townships. If they fail to open five offices, their registration will be canceled under the law. However, if they field a candidate in just one constituency, they can avoid dissolution. That’s why state/region-based parties are unlikely to be much harmed in this election. Nationwide parties, on the other hand, face very serious difficulties. For example, they must have at least 100,000 members and open offices in 110 townships. If they fail to meet these requirements by December 6, they will face dissolution. Likewise, if they fail to field candidates in more than half of the 833 constituencies—over 400 seats—they could also be deregistered as a political party. These are the kinds of challenges they face.”, he said.

Dr. Aye Maung with political parties

According to the Political Parties Registration Law, parties must fulfill the required membership and party office criteria and submit proof to the Union Election Commission (UEC) by September 7, as announced by the UEC on August 20.

Under Section 12(a) of the Political Parties Registration Law, if a party is found unable to recruit the required number of members as set out in Section 5(c), or to open the required number of party offices as set out in Section 5(g), it may lose its right to continue existing as a political party.

Furthermore, Section 12(b) stipulates that if a party is found in violation of Section 12(a), the Commission must revoke its registration and dissolve the party.

Meanwhile, revolutionary forces and pro-democracy activists have announced that they will attempt to disrupt and prevent the December 28, 2025 election and will take strong action against those participating.

As a result, political parties and their candidates are worried about security and about whether people will not even come out to vote.

Political parties meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News that, considering the inclusion of votes from internally displaced persons (IDPs), the election could still proceed, with reliance on security forces for protection.

“Especially in Manaung, Kyaukphyu, and Sittwe, where voting will take place simultaneously on December 28, stability can be maintained. In Rakhine, if the votes of IDPs now living in Yangon are counted together with those from the three constituencies outside of the 14 townships currently under AA administration, the election could be deemed complete. As a party, we believe for now that each of us must take responsibility for our own security—first personally, second for our organizations. After that, under the law, protection will depend on the security forces. That’s how we expect to get through this election.”, he said.

The Union Election Commission has announced that Phase 1 of Myanmar’s election will take place on December 28, 2025.

On July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing enacted the Election Security Law, which prescribes a minimum 10-year prison sentence up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty for anyone who disrupts, destroys, sabotages, or causes deaths related to the election.

CNI News

9 September 2025

The Chairman of the State Security and Tranquility Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said that U.S. multi-faceted pressure can be addressed through the five-point proposal put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He made the remarks at a press briefing with media representatives in Chengdu, China, on September 6, 2025.

“In the world today, we see that powerful nations are exerting dominance in many ways — politically, economically, educationally, religiously, and militarily. For China too, the U.S. is imposing hardships through tariffs and other pressures. Similarly, we are also under pressure. This is not only financial but also political pressure. Economically as well, there are many forms of pressure. President Xi Jinping’s five-point proposal identifies weaknesses that are occurring in the world and explains that we must work to correct them. Therefore, I want to say that countries should cooperate together.”, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianshan, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting with media in Chengdu

The five core principles of the GGI are:

Adhering to sovereign equality: This principle asserts that all countries, regardless of size, strength, or wealth, have an equal voice and role in global decision-making.

Abiding by international rule of law: The initiative calls for global governance to be guided by universally recognized norms and laws, rejecting selective interpretations or "double standards".

Practicing multilateralism: Emphasizing dialogue and cooperation, this principle stands in opposition to unilateralism and bloc-based confrontations.

Advocating the people-centered approach: The GGI promotes putting the well-being and sustainable development of people at the forefront of global priorities.

Focusing on taking real actions: This principle stresses the need for tangible outcomes and effective implementation rather than being bogged down by rhetoric.

Myanmar expressed support for President Xi Jinping’s proposal, and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also discussed Myanmar’s aspiration to be admitted as a member of the SCO at the summit.

While seeing President Xi Jinping's proposal

He said that current Myanmar-China relations are at their best stage, and that Myanmar guarantees investors will not face losses so that bilateral economic and investment relations can further strengthen.

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited China from August 30 to September 6, 2025, during which he attended and participated in discussions at the SCO Summit, as well as the Chinese people’s Victory over Japanese Fascism military parade ceremony.

In addition, he held talks with international leaders including President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as well as with Chinese and Myanmar business communities.