CNI News

28 April 2025

The Ministry of Education has announced that the matriculation exam will be retaken after the earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 caused schools to collapse, catch fire, and destroy exam answer sheets. 

This announcement has sparked controversies over whether or not students should be required to retake the matriculation exam.

Earthquake-affected students should not be asked to retake the matriculation exam because they have already suffered psychological and physical damage from the natural disaster, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch, told CNI News.

“Earthquake-affected students should not be asked to retake the matriculation exam. They should have passed the exam. But those who should not pass will be included. Later, relevant entrance exams should be held. Having to retake this exam is a huge burden for these children, their parents, and for over 60,000 students." she said.

While seeing students who were sitting for the matriculation exam

On March 28, 2025, while examinations were being conducted at Mandalay University, a powerful earthquake destroyed the main building of Mandalay University. 

The Myanmar Examinations Department announced that 376,956 answer sheets of 62,954 candidates from Kachin State, Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region and Nay Pyi Taw Council Area were destroyed in the fire.

Therefore, the Examination Department announced that students from regions and states damaged by the earthquake will be asked to retake the matriculation exam from June 16 to 21, without holidays.

If students from areas where exam papers were destroyed by the earthquake were allowed to pass the exam exceptionally, they should consider the children whose marks have not yet been released, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News.

While rescue workers were working to rescue a collapsed employee housing complex due to the earthquake.

The Ministry of Information announced that the number of students who took the matriculation exam was 208,889 in the 2024-2025 academic year, including candidates from foreign examination departments. 

The People's Pioneer Party (PPP) said that forcing students to retake the exam would create an unnecessary burden on the students and their parents, and teachers affected by the earthquake.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake centered in Sagaing, near Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28 killed around 4,000 people, injured more than 5,000, and left more than 100 missing. In addition, homes, schools, government offices, staff housing, hotels, religious buildings, and roads and bridges have been destroyed and are in urgent need of reconstruction.

CNI News

28 April 2025

China could provide guarantees to the armed groups to achieve their political goals in order that armed conflicts could be resolved, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News.

Due to China's brokered engagement, the Kokang Army (MNDAA) has handed over the Lashio City which it had occupied on August 3, 2024 to the Myanmar Tatmadaw and it has taken control of the Kokang Special Region (1).

Then, on April 18, 21, and 22, the Myanmar Tatmadaw re-entered Lashio with military convoys and prepared to re-establish administrative mechanisms.

While seeing the Myanmar Tatmadaw convoy returning to Lashio

Dr. Aye Maung said that China is trying to end the armed conflict on the one hand, and on the other hand, it is negotiating to give the armed groups political rights.

“China does not accept any country’s interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs, and while it is moving in the direction of wanting Myanmar to remain stable and peaceful, it seems to want to address the root causes of all the current armed conflicts. Therefore, it seems that China is actively cooperating within Myanmar to end the armed conflict, and it seems that China had negotiated with the Myanmar government. Similarly, China seemed to be negotiating with the major armed groups on the Chinese border, in a way, guaranteeing their political ambitions. Similarly, the Myanmar government is likely to negotiate to ensure the political objectives of these armed groups. I think this is a path that China has pioneered." he said.

While seeing commercial vehicles

There are indications that even if the Myanmar Tatmadaw regains control of Lashio, it will still be impossible to resume trade unless it can regain control of the towns along the China-Burma trade route, such as Kutkai, Theinni, Thibaw, Kyaukme, and Naungcho.

Therefore, military observers also point out that China could remove EAOs from all towns/villages along the China-Myanmar border trade route (Union Highway) through negotiation or pressure. China is controlling both sides and sharing opportunities to achieve stability in Myanmar, Colonel Khun Okkar, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), which signed the NCA, told CNI News.

"China chooses stability over peace. Only then can it continue to implement its business and its projects. China controls everything to ensure stability kind of. Give him the rights he wants, and you take the rights you want. It's just the recognition of the self-administered zones desired by the “Wa” and Kokang. And by returning Lashio to the Myanmar Tatmadaw, it is a way of restoring dignity. The border trade route is belong to everyone." said Col. Khun Okkar.

China will continue to push forward the Kunming Peace Talks process and accelerate efforts to end conflicts and achieve peace in Myanmar, including stabilizing the China-Myanmar border, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on April 22, 2025.

CNI News

28 April 2025

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to its military objects, could demand a “two systems” model of governance in one country, like the “Wa” Army, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News. 

Currently, other armed groups in Myanmar are demanding and fighting for the same level of self-determination and self-governance enjoyed by the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

The KIA could continue to dominate the entire Kachin State, and could also carry out more than that, said U Khun Sai.

"There is no doubt that the KIA will continue to control the entire Kachin State. It could be more than that. However, I think the main thing is that it will be limited to the currently defined Kachin State. I could be wrong. The KIA, like the “Wa,” can demand a one-country, two-system model. "However, I think they would be more accepting if it were fully federal." he said.

Military and political analysts have assessed the KIA's operation, which began in early March 2024, as of strategic importance.

The KIA lost territories militarily between 2011 and 2015, but did not suffer much political loss during that period. However, there are indications that it lost a lot of political as well as military power between 2015 and 2020. 

While seeing the UWSA(Ye Aung Thu)

However, analysts point out that the KIA is gaining both military and political advantage when it could seek to recover politically and gain military advantage after the political change in 2021.

The KIA's military strategy is to dominate territorial security and is known to have the goal of occupying the entire northwestern region of Myanmar, both geographically and politically.

However, it is not easy to capture the entire northwest region. Sai Htay Aung, chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) National Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that the KIA’s rise to power is partly due to support from Western countries.

"It is not easy for the KIA to take over the entire northwest region. Now give the KIA autonomy in Kachin State. The KIA will be revolutionized by the Shanni people.

The KIA's current rise to power is also due to Western support. Because the KIA can work together with both western countries and China, its power is growing bigger. But the central government must control it. Shanni people in Kachin State don't accept the KIA at all." he said.

The KIA, which was formed in 1961, has three brigades based in northern Shan State and eight in Kachin State.

CNI News

28 April 2025

Despite the withdrawal of the Kokang Army, the National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) from Lashio due to Chinese intervention in northern Shan State, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is unlikely to reverse its territorial expansion, military and political analysts told CNI.

The Kachin people previously lived mostly in the Theinni and Kutkai areas of northern Shan State, so he does not think the KIA will retreat from northern Shan State as it seeks to reclaim their original homeland, Sai Htay Aung, chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) National Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News.

"The KIA issue is complicated. Going back to history, the majority of Kachin people lived in Theinni,and Kachin State had only a few Kachin people. After the Kachin State was established, the KIA needs to protect Kachin State. And it has a desire to regain their original homeland. That's why I don't think the KIA will retreat in northern Shan State because the majority of Kachins lived in the Theinni and Kutkai regions since ancient times. There were only a small number of Kachins in Kachin State before Myanmar gained her independence. That is why there may still be problems with the KIA in northern Shan State. But I think KIA, which is politically astute, will try to do its best." he said.

While the KIA troops and the TNLA troops were beating up one another during a territorial dispute in northern Shan State.

The KIA, which was formed in 1961, has three brigades based in northern Shan State and eight in Kachin State. Last March, there were territorial disputes between the KIA and the TNLA, as well as between the KIA and the MNDAA, in some areas of northern Shan State.  He believes that if Kachin continues to act as it did during the time of the Theinni Saw Bwa (Shan chief of Theinni in former times), everyone can live together, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News.

"Even before the British left Burma, the Kachin people had requested the Theinni Saw Bwa to establish a Kachin sub-state for them. Their request made sense because when the Theinni Sawbwa revolted against King Mindon and King Thibaw, the Kachin people helped the Sawbwa a lot. The Sawbwa raised Kachin people to the rank of a noble. In addition, the Kachin people also provided military assistance to the British during World War II. For these two reasons, I heard that the Theinni Sawbwa, after consulting with the British government, signed a treaty that would give the Kachin people a sub-state. The Theinni Sawbwa said that Kachin State is unique. However, the Kachin sub-state within Shan State or Theinni is unique. We need to see this differently. According to the Sawbwa's records, the Shan people in Kachin State should also be people of Kachin State, and the Kachin people in Shan State should also be people of Shan State. If we continue like this, we will all be able to live together in peace, I believe." said U Khun Sai.

While the KIA had captured a military camp of the Tatmadaw

Lashio, a city in Shan State that the MNDAA seized on August 3, 2024, was handed back to the Myanmar Tatmadaw due to pressure from China. 

Military and political observers have pointed out that once the Lashio handover process is completed, China could indirectly put pressure on the TNLA and KIA, which are expanding their territory in northern Shan State, through the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

Moreover, the military turnaround may be seen after the Lashio handover process, as the Myanmar military rebuilds its military strength and can prevent the KIA and TNLA from expanding their territory, they considered.

The TNLA, MNDAA, and KIA are members of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), which is led and formed by the UWSA.

CNI News
26 April 2025

The Electronic Government (E-Government) system should be implemented to overcome the difficulties that took place in operating government mechanism due to the earthquake in Myanmar, vice chairman of the National Democratic Force Party (NDF), U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.

On March 28, 2025, an earthquake centered in Sagaing, near Mandalay, destroyed homes, religious buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, and roads and bridges.

In addition, staff housing, ministries, and government offices within the Naypyidaw Council area were damaged, as were the Hluttaw buildings. Therefore, if the Electronic Government system is implemented now, the difficulties caused by the losses can be overcome, said U Htet Aung Kyaw.

“A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, and there was a lot of damage and loss. We have to rebuild, and we have to build earthquake-resistant buildings. We started planning to implement e-government around 2003 or 2004. We haven’t been able to do it effectively yet. The electronic government system has already been successfully implemented around the world. If we work hard and implement this system, we can overcome all the difficulties caused by the current damage." he said.

Electronic Government is a system that uses electronic communication devices, computers, mobile phones, computer network devices, ICT technology, and Internet technology to deliver government services to the public in a fast and efficient manner.

The system was first implemented in Myanmar in 2003, but has not been successfully used to date. Political analysts point out that the failure of the electronic government system is due to weaknesses in implementation and the presence of forces that do not want reform.

If the electronic government system is implemented, it will be difficult to commit corruption and irregularities. He wondered if the system was not implemented because officials did not want that to happen, Dr. Myo Set Thway, General Secretary of the People's Pioneer Party (PPP), told CNI News.

“This is something that needs to be done, every government has said it will be done, but as far as I can tell, the reason for not doing it is not because of technology, but because they don't want to do these things on purpose, I'm not sure why. What they don't do is, to put it bluntly, because governments are bad. Even if it's not on a nationwide scale, there are places and conditions where it can be done. Not using this system is very conservative and I would say that it lacks courage in terms of ideology. If this system is used, it will be difficult to take bribes, it will be difficult to commit irregularities, and it is even possible to wonder whether the officials do not use it because they do not want these things to happen." he said.

Among the government buildings damaged by the earthquake in the Naypyidaw Council area, those built on landfill were most damaged, said the SAC chairman.

Therefore, when reconstructing office buildings, soil tests should be conducted before new construction and renovation work can be carried out, he said.

CNI News

26 April 2025

After the process of handing over Lashio to the Stata Administration Council (SAC), China might ask the United Wa State Army (UWSA) to intervene in the remaining regions of northern Shan State on its behalf, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

He said that the Wa army should act as China's representative in matters where China does not want to get involved, and since China is behind the Wa, everyone needs to follow its orders.

" To put it simply, the Wa are acting as China's representative in matters that China does not want to do itself. Every organization needs to follow what the Wa asks because China is behind the Wa. However, under international law, China is expanding its influence by using the “Wa” army. Therefore, the “Wa” will not lose its normal position, but will intervene by providing guarantees for the remaining regions. There may be cases where China intervenes itself, and there may also be cases where the "Wa" intervenes. This is why groups like the KIA need to reconsider. Whether to continue fighting or to reconsider, as the “Wa” and China suggest, may be a bit of a question to consider. In northern Shan, fighting is possible in areas far from the Yunnan border, but fighting is unlikely in areas close to the Yunnan border. This is because border security and trade will be prioritized. China's BRI also extends through Burma to Kyaukphyu. China wants to regain control of these routes. Therefore, if the northern organizations continue to fight, they may face a crisis due to Chinese pressure." said  Col. Khun Okkar.

While seeing former Chinese special envoy Mr. Sun Guo Xiang and the UWSA leader

Thanks to Chinese intervention, the Kokang National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) withdrew from Lashio, which it had occupied, on August 3, 2024. Then, on April 18, 21, and 22, Myanmar Tatmadaw convoys re-entered Lashio, preparing to restore administrative machinery.

It is believed that China forced the Kokang forces to withdraw from Lashio because it wanted to continue its border trade and other projects.

The success of the territorial control after the handover of Lashio will determine the future course of the revolution, China-Myanmar affairs analyst Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw told CNI  News.

While seeing the UWSA and the MNDAA leaders

"We need to see how successful or unsuccessful the Lashio issue is. China is trying to open a trade route here, so if this is successful, it will benefit the people, the people's economy will improve, and the military council will stop acting badly like it always does, then the TNLA will have something to think about. How successful or unsuccessful Lashio will be will determine the revolutionary path ahead," she said.

The MNDAA's withdrawal from Lashio was not at the request of the SAC, but rather at the request of China since December 2024, said military and political observers. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has denied claims that the handover of Lashio was due to Chinese pressure, saying it was a friendly suggestion to restart the political reform process.

CNI News

25 April 2025

Negotiations may be conducted between the State Administration Council and the Chinese government to make SAC regain control of cities along the China-Myanmar trade route after the MNDAA handed over Lashio to the SAC, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Force Party, U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.

On August 3, 2024, the MNDAA attacked and captured Lashio city and the Northeastern Military Command and established an administration.

Then, under pressure from the Chinese government, the MNDAA is carrying out the process of handing over Lashio to the SAC by April 21, 2025, while China is overseeing the return of the Myanmar Tatmadaw to Lashio. China said it has dispatched a ceasefire monitoring team to Lashio to monitor the bilateral ceasefire between the Myanmar  the Tatmadaw and the MNDAA.

According to China's negotiation or putting pressure, EAOs could retreat from the towns and villages along the China-Myanmar border trade route (Union Road), said U Htet Aung Kyaw.

Myanmar Tatmadaw convoys were entering Lashio

"They have carefully negotiated. In my opinion,  EAOs can retreat from all the towns and villages along the Union Highway because the border trade between the two countries has been stopped for a long time. When it comes to Lashio, we can expect something more than Lashio City alone. Border trade between Myanmar and China is currently at a near standstill. No organization can capture Muse. Now the SAC has regained Lashio. But Lashio-Muse Road alone can't work for the border trade. According to China's negotiation or putting pressure, EAOs will need to retreat from the towns and villages including Theinni, Kutkai, Kyaukme and Thibaw so that the border trade can be conducted, which will be mainly discussed, I think."he said.

Even though the Myanmar Tatmadaw regains Lashio, if it can't control towns and villages including Kutkai, Theinni, Thibaw, Kyaukme and Nawnghkio along the trade route, it is impossible to start the border trade.

Chinese ceasefire monitoring team's vehicle was seen in Lashio.

So, it was necessary to watch whether the Myanmar Tatmadaw would negotiate with or fight against the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) that has controlled Kutkai, Theinni, Thibaw, Kyaukme and Nawnghkio, pointed out military analysts.

China's involvement will continue because China must build a better relationship with Myanmar to achieve cooperation, U Thein Tun Oo, director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, told CNI News.

" The abilities of the EAOs that are active near the China-Myanmar border depend on China. When China controls them, many problems will have been resolved automatically. Importantly, there are many things to be carried out cooperation between China and Myanmar. So, China needs to build a better relation with Myanmar. So, China's involvement will continue for sure." he said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a press conference on April 21, 2025 that China, as a friend, is advising relevant parties in Myanmar to pursue political reconciliation and resume the process of political reform.

CNI News

25 April 2025

Freedom from corruption was needed in the construction of buildings for recovery from the earthquake disaster, U Aung Pyae Sone, a businessman, told CNI News.

He also said that the government needs to carry out strictly in systematically constructing houses and buildings for post-earthquake rehabilitation.

" There have been Construction Laws since the past years. And there are QC teams as well. Those QCs need to be true third parties. If the construction companies and QC are partners, that QC is not a third party.If you're building a building that can withstand a magnitude 8 or even 9 earthquake, it needs to be a really durable building. In reality, many lives will be lost due to unbearable consequences." he said.

While seeing officials inspecting the earthquake-damaged Sagaing Bridge

The Chairman of the State Administration Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, allocated 50 billion kyats for the rehabilitation of Sagaing Region and 60 billion kyats for the rehabilitation of Mandalay Region.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that cement, iron and zinc sheets will be sold at reasonable prices for construction work in Mandalay and Sagaing to rebuild buildings.

He also said that financial assistance will be provided at appropriate rates for damaged houses, depending on their types.

While Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with officials

" How will the earthquake victims be accommodated while new shelters are being built? We asked the Chinese embassy for help. The embassy said it is preparing to build about 5,000 temporary houses before finishing constructing new buildings. When we went to the earthquake-hit areas to help, we had to find poor construction. The municipality's inspection was weak. Those who constructed buildings cheaply as well." said U Htet Aung Kyaw, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Force Party.

The United States has pledged $9 million, the Quad (United States-India-Japan-Australia) $20 million, the United Nations $93 million, China over 1 billion yuan, Australia $2 million, and the European Union 13 million euros to help the people of Myanmar affected by the earthquake. 

Similarly, local businessmen and cronies donated 116.84 billion kyats to earthquake victims on April 1, the SAC chairman said.

CNI News

25 April 2025

Although the State Administration Council (SAC) has lost most of the townships in northern Shan State, if the SAC get Lashio back, it has even gain without making a loss, Colonel Khun Okkar, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Front (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News.

The Kokang Army, the National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which has seized and taken control of Lashio, is beginning the process of handing over Lashio to the SAC on April 21, 2025 at the latest.

Compared to the SAC's failure to gain anything in northern Shan State, that the SAC regains Lashio is not a loss for it, Colonel Khun Okkar, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Front (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News.

"Getting Lashio back will not be a loss for the SAC in comparison with getting nothing. The SAC's prestige will also be restored. Because Lashio is a key city. Lashio controls the trade route to Muse. Lashio controls the route down to Mandalay. It's necessary to keep these routes so that trade can be revived. China wants that, too. Regaining Lashio like this is cheaper and less costly than using military force, and has fewer casualties. However, the sense that Nay Pyi Taw's influence is back on the rise is a win for SAC. It's not a loss." he said.

While seeing the MNDAA flags were no more at the traffic circle in Lashio

After China brokered a temporary ceasefire between the Myanmar Tatmadaw the National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Kokang forces were forced to withdraw from Lashio. On April 21, Kokang forces withdrew from the administration of Lashio, and reports said that Kokang flags were no longer flying in the city, leaving only the Myanmar national flag.

It is considered that The Kokang forces' handover of Lashio to the SAC due to the pressure from China. However, as a friend, China was advising relevant groups in Myanmar to pursue political reconciliation and restart the process of political reform, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry at a press conference on April 21.

That the SAC regained Lashio like that was encouraging for the SAC, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News.

While seeing a place in downtown area of Lashio

"What was strange yesterday that China said they don't interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs. But, whether it is the negotiation issues or the Lashio issue, there are things that China is taking the lead in. In the past, China had done like this with the Khmer issue in Cambodia, the Sri Lankan issue, and the East Timor issue. As far as I know, China intervened as a peacekeeping force between the two sides and brokered a ceasefire. I had seen China developed that area. Now I can't say anything. They are still discussing. If the military council regains Lashio, it will be a morale booster for it. If the MNDAA wanted a basic area for the Kokang People, it wouldn't need Lashio. The MNDAA only needs the original Kokang region and a small area around it. So I don't know how they're going to regulate that. We'll have to wait and see." she said.

The Northern Alliance in northern Shan State and the PDFs have to retreat from all the towns between Muse and Mandalay and the towns reportedly include Kutkai, Theinni, Thibaw, Kyaukme, and Nawnghkio.

The MNDAA is reportedly stationed outside Lashio, although it must follow Chinese instructions.