CNI News

1 September 2025

Chairman of Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, met with Professor Gong Wei, Vice President of China's Wuhan University, to discuss providing satellite technology assistance to Myanmar.

The meeting took place at the Tangla Hotel in Tianjin, China, at 2:30 PM on August 31, 2025.

According to a statement from Nay Pyi Taw, the two sides discussed satellite technology, how Wuhan University could help Myanmar develop skilled human resources, the university's history and international student enrollment, and bilateral technological cooperation.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was accompanied by the Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo and other commission members. The Chinese delegation included Professor Gong Wei and China's ambassador to Myanmar, Mrs. Ma Jia.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing arrived in China on August 30 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025, which is being held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1.

He is also scheduled to attend the 80th anniversary military parade celebrating the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which will be held in Beijing on September 3.

CNI News

1 September 2025

During a meeting in Tianjin, China on August 31, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chairman of Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, discussed bilateral relations.

According to a statement on his Facebook page, Modi said, "Myanmar is an important pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Neighborhood First Policy. We agreed that there is great potential to enhance our bilateral relations in the fields of trade, connectivity, energy, rare earth mining, and security."

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also issued a statement quoting Modi, who said India believes that a peaceful, negotiated solution is the best way to address the situation in Myanmar and that India encourages Myanmar to take the lead in solving its own issues.

The report also noted that they discussed border trade and defense and security matters. 

Rare earth metals are mined in Myanmar's Shan and Kachin states, primarily by Chinese companies. 

These mining areas are reportedly controlled by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the United Wa State Army (UWSA), and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), and are not under the control of the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

The report also highlighted that there are intense clashes between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces in Sagaing Region and Chin State, which are both border India, leading to instability and a halt in trade. 

India is also concerned about security, as some armed groups, such as the Kuki and Naga, who are fighting against the Indian government, are based in areas of Myanmar that border India.

CNI News
1 September 2025

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Myanmar Interim President and Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing They met in Tianjin, China, on September 1, 2025.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to promote cooperation between Myanmar and Laos.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and the Lao President are visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Both of them are scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, which will be held from August 31 to September 1, and They are in China to attend the military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which will be held on September 3.

CNI News

1 Septeber 2025

Acting President, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar wishes to work together with China to jointly build a high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is currently visiting China, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on August 30, 2025, at the Tianjin State Guest House in Tianjin City.

“Myanmar will firmly adhere to the One-China Policy. Myanmar wishes to jointly build a high-quality Belt and Road Initiative with China, expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure and other sectors, and bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries. As a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Myanmar also wishes to actively participate in and contribute to SCO’s development.”, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Afterward, President Xi Jinping said that the two countries should advance the key projects under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), enhance economic and trade cooperation, and jointly safeguard stability and peace in border regions. He emphasized the need to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, organizations, and projects in Myanmar, according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy.

“China supports Myanmar in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions, and in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests. China supports Myanmar’s post-earthquake reconstruction, improving people’s livelihoods, uniting domestic political forces, and restoring stability and development. China will continue joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes, promote the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and work together to safeguard an international system centered on the United Nations.” he added.

Currently, Myanmar is facing heavy fighting across the country between the Tatmadaw and revolutionary forces, which has disrupted China-Myanmar trade routes and sparked opposition to Chinese investments and projects. For this reason, the Chinese government has consistently urged Myanmar’s leaders and representatives to guarantee the safety of Chinese citizens, investments, projects, and companies in the country.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that China has always been a good neighbor and good friend to Myanmar, has provided long-term support for Myanmar’s socio-economic development, and is supporting Myanmar’s reconstruction after the earthquake. He added that China is playing a positive role in peace and stability in northern Myanmar.

After the talks, both sides signed agreements on cooperation in areas such as customs and media.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is visiting China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. On August 30, he met President Xi, and on August 31, he met with Chinese and Myanmar business representatives. He will also attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin and participate in the 80th anniversary commemoration of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing.

CNI News

1 Septeber 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Acting President, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met and discussed Myanmar’s possible accession as a member state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Their meeting took place on August 30, 2025, at the Tianjin State Guest House in Tianjin, China.

President Xi Jinping outlined the conditions under which China would support Myanmar’s membership in the SCO.

He said, “Myanmar is already a dialogue partner of the SCO and also a country that participated in the Anti-Fascist Resistance. China and Myanmar are neighboring countries with strong kinship and friendship. China has always firmly supported Myanmar’s development and stability, backed its political processes, and continues to stand for the development of the Myanmar people and the building of a shared community. We will keep upholding the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, so that our two nations can continue living side by side in peace.”

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar became a dialogue partner of SCO in May 2023 and has since started participating in its meetings. He expressed Myanmar’s wish for China’s continued support toward becoming a full member. He added that he believed this meeting would further strengthen relations between the two countries.

Afterward, he also discussed matters such as cooperation in Myanmar’s peace process, enhancing trade, accelerating projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR) and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), and the effective utilization of natural resources.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established on June 15, 2001, and its work focuses on security, politics, and economic cooperation.

The current member states are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus, while Mongolia holds observer status.

Other dialogue partner countries include Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Maldives, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

CNI News

1 Septeber 2025

The Acting President, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is currently in China, met and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on August 30, 2025, at the Tianjin State Guest House in Tianjin City.

Observers both inside and outside the country have been closely watching what topics President Xi Jinping and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing would discuss.

President Xi Jinping said that “China and Myanmar are close neighbors with strong bonds of kinship and friendship. China consistently supports Myanmar’s development and stability, and also supports Myanmar’s political processes. China stands firmly for the development of the Myanmar people and for building a community of shared future with Myanmar. China will continue to uphold and act in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, so that both nations can live peacefully side by side.”

Afterward, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit is an important meeting that can enhance international cooperation. He noted that Myanmar became a dialogue partner of SCO in May 2023 and has since participated in its meetings. He expressed Myanmar’s desire for continued support from China to eventually attain membership, adding that he believed the current meeting would further strengthen bilateral relations.

In addition, the two leaders discussed cooperation in Myanmar’s peace process, promoting trade, advancing projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (formerly known as OBOR) and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), effective utilization of natural resources, assistance regarding the recent major earthquake in Mandalay, China’s supportive stance on Myanmar in the international arena, further enhancing bilateral relations, as well as the successful holding of Myanmar’s multi-party democratic general election scheduled to begin on December 28 and the arrangements for international election observers invited to monitor the polls.

President Xi Jinping also recalled issues agreed upon during his meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow in May 2025, stressing the continuation of those undertakings. He reiterated China’s opposition to external interference in Myanmar’s political affairs, the need to advance China-Myanmar strategic cooperation, China’s constructive positions in support of Myanmar’s peace and stability, as well as Myanmar’s ability to stand with dignity on the international stage and within regional organizations.

Likewise, the discussions covered China’s support for Myanmar’s upcoming multi-party democratic general election, ongoing diplomatic cooperation, China’s backing for Myanmar’s accession as a full member of SCO, and coordination among relevant departments of both countries for continued sectoral cooperation.

Attending the meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing were General Ye Win Oo, Joint Secretary of the State Security and Peace Commission; Foreign Minister U Than Swe; and General Kyaw Swar Lin, Chief of the General Staff(Army, Navy, Air).

From the Chinese side, those present alongside President Xi Jinping included Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ms. Ma Jia, and other senior government officials.

CNI News
30 August 2025

After the announcement of the election date, analysts in military and political circles are making comments as to why the Myanmar Tatmadaw has escalated its offensives.

According to U Thein Tun Oo, Executive Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, the Tatmadaw is turning to force because political negotiations have failed.

“When political negotiations don’t work out, the Tatmadaw gradually turns to military means. During the time given for political talks, the Myanmar Tatmadaw kept its military activities low. To put it simply, the Tatmadaw initially prioritized the political track, which created some weaknesses on the military side, resulting in casualties and losses. But now, the priority has shifted to military operations. When the military and political tracks are carried out separately, we will see unusual outcomes.” he said to CNI News.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

In recent days, the military launched airstrikes against areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, and heavy clashes have also taken place in Kyaukme, northern Shan State. Additionally, offensives are ongoing in Sagaing Region, Bhamo in Kachin State, as well as in Karen State’s Hpa-an and Kawkareik.

According to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), the escalation of military offensives aims to secure territories where elections can be held without disruption.

“When the election period arrives, there must be areas where elections can be held without disturbance. That is why the Tatmadaw is escalating military operations now. But even before the election period, it is already clear which areas can and cannot hold elections. The current military offensives are directed toward producing that answer. Groups that threaten to disrupt the elections will, of course, destroy them as much as they can. We cannot endorse or oppose it—it depends on each party’s own policy. Therefore, the authorities who intend to hold the election will try to ensure it goes ahead, according to their own policy.” he said to CNI News.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that Phase 1 of the election will take place on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships.

KNU is declared a terrorist organization

However, groups such as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Karen National Union (KNU), Arakan Army (AA), Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and other revolutionary organizations have already rejected the election. Similarly, the National Unity Government (NUG) has urged resistance.

The KNU released a statement on August 26, declaring that the election is merely “a contest to choose people and parties beneficial to the military.” The statement called on all Karen armed organizations, political groups, parties, and the people to oppose the election through non-violent means.

On August 28, the National Security and Peace Commission’s Anti-Terrorism Central Committee, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs, declared the KNU an illegal association and a terrorist organization.

According to the law protecting multiparty democratic elections from disruption, anyone found guilty of obstructing, disrupting, or destroying elections, and causing loss of life, can face a minimum of 10 years imprisonment, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.

CNI News
30 August 2025

The Myanmar Tatmadaw announced that on August 28, 2025, it had regained control of the Phayaung Taung mine and the Alpha Cement factory in Mandalay Region, which had previously been under the control of Mandalay PDF (MDY-PDF) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

On June 25, 2024, TNLA and MDY-PDF jointly launched the Shan-Mandalay offensive, attacking Mandalay city through the Madaya, Patheingyi, and Pyin Oo Lwin fronts.

Subsequently, in July 2024, the joint forces captured the Alphabet Land factory in the east and the Phayaung Taung mine near Yanantha village, north of Mataya.

To retake these areas, beginning on July 21, 2025, the Myanmar Tatmadaw launched coordinated offensives with four military columns: one from the Madaya–Bokone–Kyauktahta front, one from Myakantha village, one from the Pansalaung mountain side, and one from Baipin village.

Myanmar Tatmadaw retakes the Alpha Cement Factory

During this operation, the Tatmadaw regained control of the Phayaung Taung mine on August 24, 2025, and the Alpha Cement factory on August 28, 2025.

According to the Tatmadaw, there were 24 clashes with TNLA/MDY-PDF forces during the campaign, and they seized 46 weapons, ammunition, and related equipment.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw also announced that it would continue clearance operations in the area between Madaya and Thabeikkyin townships.

Meanwhile, on August 27, 2025, the Myanmar Tatmadaw and TNLA held their third round of ceasefire talks in Kunming, China, but the discussions ended without agreement.

During the talks, the Tatmadaw asked TNLA to return the townships - Namhkam, Mantong, Namhsan, Mongngawt, Monglon, Namtu, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mongmit, Kutkai, and Muse townships, except Mantong and Nansang.

Myanmar Tatmadaw retakes the Phayaung Taung mine

TNLA responded that it would return Kyaukme and Hsipaw, but insisted on retaining control of the other townships, and requested the military to formally acknowledge TNLA’s control of those townships.

As a result, the meeting collapsed, though both sides agreed to reconvene in September.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw and the TNLA have so far held talks three times in 2025: on February 16–17 (first round), on April 28–29 (second round) and on August 2 (third round).

CNI News

30 August 2025

On August 28, 2025, the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee, under the State Security and Peace Commission, announced that the Karen National Union (KNU) has been designated a terrorist group.

Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs also declared the KNU an unlawful association on August 28, 2025.

The Anti-Terrorism Central Committee's statement claimed that the KNU is committing terrorist acts such as planting mines and destroying public roads and bridges, attacking densely populated towns and villages with heavy artillery from a distance, carrying out drop bomb attacks, killing innocent civilians, forcibly recruiting new members, and destroying state-owned buildings, vehicles, machinery, and equipment.

For these reasons, the KNU has been declared a terrorist group, stated the committee.

Similarly, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the Interim President of the State believes that the objectives and actions of the KNU, its members, organizations it has formed, and individuals affiliated with these organizations are a threat and a danger to the rule of law, state stability, and public peace and tranquility.

Therefore, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the KNU an unlawful association.

The KNU is a Karen armed group that had signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

However, following the political changes in Myanmar after February 1, 2021, the KNU withdrew from the NCA and has been fighting the Myanmar Tatmadaw, attempting to seize towns and trade routes within Kayin State.