CNI News

17 August 2024

Because it is difficult to buy fuel in Taungoo Township, Bago Region, social assistance associations are finding it difficult to work and they reportedly could suspend their activities. 

People have to buy fuel on a limited basis at the fuel stations and small roadside fuel shops in Taungoo. Because of being unable to buy enough fuel and high prices, it became difficult to carry patients, said an official from Taungoo-based Pyit Taing Daung Social Assistance Association.

" As long as we have fuel in our cars, we'll continue to do our work. When we don't get fuel any more, all the associations will hold a meeting and have to decide what we should do." he said to CNI News.

Due to fuel shortage, social assistance associations have to be coordinating among them, said an official from Taungoo-based Pyit Taing Daung Social Assistance Association.

While seeing a fuel station in Yangon

" Our associations connect and carry out. That is to say, if our association has run out of fuel, we ask another association that has fuel for help so that we can carry patients." he said.

As most social associations are carrying emergency patients free of charge, if those who are responsible for patients pay for fuel or donors donate money, social assistance associations could exist any more, he said.

" If a patient was poor, we would carry the patient free of charge. If a patient can afford it, they pay for the fuel." he said to CNI News.

Due to fuel shortage in Taungoo Township, small businesses are finding it difficult and locals are also inconvenienced, said a battery hirer from Taungoo.

" As my business is battery hiring, we have to mainly depend on electricity. We can hire batteries only when the electricity is available. If the power fails, we don't have any fuel to start the generator." he said.

The price of 92 gasoline is 4,000 kyats per liter and the price of 95 gasoline, 4,500 kyats per liter in Taungoo at present. 

Most gas stations have been closed until the morning of 15th August due to fuel shortage in the fuel stations and it is reportedly not easy to buy fuel even at the small roadside fuel shops.

CNI News

16 August 2024

Political and military analysts are reviewing regarding what changes can happen in the Myanmar's military, politics and economy sectors after Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi's trip to Myanmar.

Mr. Wang Yi arrived in Myanmar on 14th August and discussed with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council.

At present, armed conflicts are taking place across the nation, including the China-Myanmar border and the border trade also has been suspended. 

Mr. Wang Yi was an important top official in the current Chinese government and because the Myanmar issue was related to the Chinese government, Mr. Wang Yi came to Myanmar, Col. Khun Okkar, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) told CNI News.

While Wang Yi and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing were discussing

" The Myanmar issue is important to the Chinese government. So, Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi came to Myanmar. Mr. Wang Yi is a very important person in the Chinese government. He possibly came to meet with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in the sense that he will have to come and speak for himself. After he goes back, what the SAC will announce or do must be watched. We need to watch for a few days. And then, we can know what the Chinese FM told." he said.

Mr. Wang Yi is member of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party and Foreign Minister.

Myanmar is a good neighbor, an old friend and a good friend; China strongly supports the Myanmar's independence and perpetuation of sovereignty; and it supports the SAC's implementation of the five point road map for the country's stability and development as well as preparations for a free and fair multi-party democratic general election, said Wang Yi during meeting with chairman of the SAC.

Moreover, China is seriously cooperating for Myanmar's peace and stability and opposes the attacks on towns and villages by EAOs in northern Shan State, he said. Whether the Chinese FM's visit to Myanmar had an impact on the conflict must be watched, chairman of the Arakan National Party (ANP) U Thar Tun Hla told CNI News.

" Battles are breaking out in Myanmar because the political problem could not be solved by the political means. Because the Chinese FM visited Myanmar, whether battles could be reduced or not must be watched." he said.

While Yang Yi and Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd) were discussing

China-Myanmar defense cooperation issues, Myanmar's internal affairs and issues of peace and stability in the border region were discussed as well by Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Wang Yi.

" It is a matter of prioritizing political dialogue. In principle, China doesn't support armed struggle. But in practice, they might help EAOs indirectly. Especially, not the government or foreign affairs policy but the Chinese army and Yunnan Province might help EAOs in some way or another. Politically, Wang Yi focused on the election. We have to watch within a few days how the SAC will take steps politically. The joint announcement had to be released to make it  reasonable. But in practice, it might not be like that." said Col. Khun Okkar.

After the Haigen discussion between the Three Brotherhood Alliance and the SAC's NSPNC that was planned to be held in Kunming China on 8th August was cancelled, Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun came to Myanmar.

And then, battles are severely breaking out in northern Shan State and while the people were worried the battles will reach the mainland, Mr. Wang Yi came to Myanmar and discussed with chairman of the SAC and Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd).

CNI News

16 August 2024

China opposed attacks on towns and villages by EAOs, said Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi. He said the above during meeting with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) after arriving in Myanmar on 14th August.

China strongly supports the Myanmar's independence and perpetuation of sovereignty. 

Moreover, China also supports what the SAC is carrying out the five point road map for the stability and development and making preparations in order to hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election, said Wang Yi.

" China is seriously cooperating with Myanmar for the Myanmar's peace and stability and opposes attacks on towns and villages by EAOs in northern Shan State." he said.

While the MNDAA force that attacked Lashio in northern Shan State

And then, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Mr. Wang Yi discussed matters relating to the election that would be held by the SAC, defense cooperation issues, online gambling, online scams, other financial frauds and illegal businesses.

The TNLA, the MNDAA, the AA, the BPLA, the PLA, the MDY-PDF, the KNDF, and the BNRA launched Operation-1027 on 27th October, 2023 and fought against the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

During the operation, EAOs and their allies seized control of Chin Shwe Haw, Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Phaungsai, Theinni, Monko, Kutkai, Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Namtu, and Mong Ngor and Haigen Discussion was held by the Chinese mediation and ceased fire.

After that the TNLA, the MDY-PDF, the PLA, the BPLA and local PDFs started second part of Operation-1027 on 25th June, 2024 and controlled Lashio, Kyaukme, Nawnghkio and Thibaw in northern Shan State as well as Mogok, Momeik, Madaya, Sintku, Myingyan, Natogyi and Thabeikkyin.

While seeing Mr. Wang Yi and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

Although China planned to hold the 6th Haigen discussion because of these battles, the SAC replied to China that it would not be able to attend.

Supporters of the Myanmar Tatmadaw made objections against China during those periods, saying China was supporting EAOs that were attacking in northern Shan State.

After that, Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun came to Myanmar on 8th August and discussed with chairman of the SAC.

On 14th August, Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi came to Myanmar and discussed with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC and he said that China would provide aids to the election and opposed the EAOs that attacked northern Shan State.

CNI News

16 August 2024

He hoped that China would continue to support and help for the stability of Myanmar, said U Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd) during meeting with Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi. 

Mr. Wang Yi  arrived in Myanmar on 14th August and met with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and discussed the Myanmar issues including election.

And then in the evening that day, Mr. Wang Yi met with Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd) at the Row of Six Mansions in Naypyidaw and discussed the Myanmar issues. 

Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd) said that he hoped China would continue to provide valuable assistance to Myanmar to protect external interference and to maintain domestic stability, reported state-owned Xinhua News Agency of China.

China has always placed the development of China-Myanmar relations at an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy, said the Chinese foreign minister. 

China is willing to work with Myanmar to achieve more tangible results in the building of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, Wang said.

"China will, as always, support Myanmar's efforts to safeguard its independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, reach domestic political reconciliation within the constitutional framework, hold national elections smoothly and restart the process of democratic transformation. China firmly opposes foreign interference and infiltration in Myanmar as well as any words and deeds that undermine Myanmar's stability and development. China will uphold the spirit of sharing weal and woe and helping each other, and be a true and good friend that the Myanmar government and people can trust and rely on." said Chinese FM.

Currently, battles are severely breaking out across Myanmar between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and EAOs and because of battles, the SAC has lost control of its Northeast Command in Lashio and many townships in northern Shan State.

Moreover, battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and opposition armed groups in Chin, Kachin, Mon, Karen, Kayah, Rakhine States, Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago and Tanintharyi Regions.

Because of the armed conflicts, rule of law, peace and stability are decreasing, and the people are suffering from a lack of security, pointed out politicians.

CNI News

15 August 2024

If there were requirements related to the election that would be held by the State Administration Council (SAC), China would help for the requirements, said Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi. 

He said the above during the meeting with chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

" China has always been supporting and encouraging peace, stability and development of Myanmar; it has always been standing with Myanmar in the international landscape as well; China will provide technical assistance regarding census-taking and help Myanmar with necessary things in relation to the election." said Mr. Wang Yi.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC, discussed necessary preparations in order to be able to hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election, the ultimate gold of the SAC, situations regarding census-taking in October this year so as to ensure the accuracy of the ballots and operating conditions to enable all parties to compete independently in accordance with the political parties registration law.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that the SAC would hold a general election in 2025 and hand over the State power to the winning party. 

The Union Election Commission re-imposed the Political Parties Registration Law on 31st January, 2023 and asked political parties to-register within 60 days.

And then, over 50 political parties registered at the UEC and 50 parties were allowed to register. 

However, the Arakan National Party (ANP) was refused to register. 

The National League for Democracy Party (NLD) and the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy Party (SNLD) - the two parties which usually won with the most votes - did not register.

He wanted the election in which all the stakeholders could participate, said Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi. 

Although China said that it would help the election, the National Unity Government (NUG) and the PDFs have announced that they would destroy the election without fail.

CNI News

15 August 2024

China was trying to manipulate Myanmar to its liking, where there are a lot of Chinese investment, chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) Sai Htay Aung told CNI News. 

China agreed with successive Myanmar governments to carry out its economic projects and it was creating battles to put pressure on Myanmar, he said.

" China wants to get the shortest exit towards the sea through Myanmar for its landlocked Yunnan Province. So, it tried to have it under the successive Myanmar governments. When Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who won the public support came to power, China has signed many contracts with Myanmar. But when the State Administration Council came to power, chairman of the SAC went to Russia, which China doesn't like too much. Now China has kind of controlled Myanmar with its interests in Myanmar. So, it wants to manipulate Myanmar to its liking. Recently, Bangladeshi PM Hasina has fallen. China wanna play Myanmar in that type. But because Myanmar doesn't want to play in China's playground, it is creating battles with its armed groups in order to put pressure on Myanmar, I think." said Sai Htay Aung.

While seeing the MNDAA

Political and military analysts are reviewing that China is supporting arms, drones and technologies to the Three Brotherhood (TNLA,MNDAA,AA) at the battles between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State.

However, China denied its participation from behind the Three Brotherhood Alliance and because the armed conflict breaking out along the China-Myanmar borderline adversely affect China, it wanted only the peace of Myanmar, it said during the meeting with Myanmar political parties in July.

China was trying to create a political game, making room for retired President U Thein Sein, pointed out political circles. The public was the key in deciding the future of the country, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing some trading activities

" Whatever China or Russia come and tell, it is our people who will make a decision for the future of Myanmar. We had shown since 7th July, 1962 that we didn't want the military dictatorship. We have already waged so many battles. We lost again and again, but we continued to fight again and again. Now our people have been decisive to root out this army (Myanmar Tatmadaw). The current revolution is full of hope. We will continue to do what we have to do whatever China or Russia come and tell. We may not listen to them. Our people will go on fighting to end the military dictatorship." she said.

China has influence over some ethnic armed organizations within Myanmar and it was trying to have influence over the SAC as well, reviewed domestic political circles. 

There are a lot of Chinese investments including Myitsone Dam Project, Kyauk Phyu Deepwater Port Project and Special Economic Zone in Myanmar.

CNI News
14 August 2024

The news that Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe, secretary of the State Administration Council (SAC), arrested chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and staged a coup d'état was just a fabricated story, reported the Information Team of the SAC on 14th August.

'We Love Zin Yaw' Facebook Account described on the night of 13th August that Aung Lin Dwe (DSA 27) detained Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing (origin-Ma Ah La).

" Those who want to disrupt the country's peace and stability broadcast untrue rumors in collaboration with fake accounts and subversive media as propaganda. Current pieces of news on social networks were broadcast by Captain Seagull Facebook Account at about 8:00 pm on 12th August. And then, not only fake Facebook Accounts of the traitors local and abroad but also subversive media distributed the rumor vigorously to make the public worry. Head of State and top officials are carrying out national duties hand in hand." said in the statement.

Because of untrue news of the coup, the price of gold rose by more than one lakh kyats. Moreover, the fabricated news coincided with the Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi's trip to Myanmar in which he would meet with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC on 14th August.

CNI News

14 August 2024

Questions are emerging among domestic political and military analysts regarding how territorial disputes between Rakhine armed groups and Chin armed groups in many parts of Chin State will be resolved.  

More arguments arose when the Arakan Army (AA) captured Paletwa Township in Chin State in January, 2024. 

The dispute has been taking place for a long time and if it was resolved by arms, it would not be convenient, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" The dispute has been taking place for a long time . Paletwa was included in Rakhine State in the past. But later, Paletwa was included in Chin State after Myanmar gained her independence. Moreover, military governments caused dissension. Because the union unity was built by the way causing dissension, it's no wonder there's no unity between them. When those who cause dissension are no more, the problem must be solved by negotiating between our ethnic groups. There is bad blood between Kachin and Shanni,as well as between Kachin and Rawang. They were divided and ruled as well. It's also partly because of the historical background. When those who try to cause dissension are no more, negotiation and discussion must be conducted at the roundtable among our ethnic groups. If they solve it by arms, the civil war will never end. But younger leaders are cleverer. I believe they will be able to solve the problem." he said.

The Arakan Army (AA) is providing military assistance to the Chin Brotherhood Alliance that is made up of armed groups in Chin State and they waged joint military operations in Chin State. 

While seeing Hakha City, Chin State

Moreover, battles broke out between the AA/the Chin Brotherhood Alliance joint forces and the Chin National Front (CNF/CNA). 

And then, the CNF arrested two troops of the AA who were on military duty to collect a list of injured troops after the battle that captured Matupi and the CNF forced the two AA troops to make false testimony regarding narcotic drugs and security issues, stated the Chin Brotherhood Alliance on 3rd August.

The AA and the Chin Brotherhood Alliance were jointly waging battles against the Myanmar Tatmadaw while the CNF waged battles by reason of Chin ethnic interests, U Myo Kyaw from the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News.

" Although the CNF is taking part in revolutionary movements, I think we should ask the CNF if it is really willing to root out the military dictatorship. The CNF has existed as a revolutionary organization for a long time . it signed ceasefire agreements with the government in the past. And then, it is included in the NUG government, a revolutionary organization. When the CNF collaborates with the AA and the PDFs, the CNF seems to put the Chin race in the forefront." he said.

While arms conflicts are severely taking place across the country, more territorial disputes and administration struggles have emerged. There are urges to resolve these issues through meeting and discussion.

CNI News
13 August 2024

The Chinese government has planned to send its Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi to Myanmar, stated the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Wang Yi will come to Myanmar within a few days to come and he will likely meet with chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, said those close to the Chinese Embassy.

" This trip of Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi aims at deepening bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, cementing the close bond of friendship between the two peoples, and advancing the building of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future. As a friend and neighbor of Myanmar, China strictly comply with the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, supports Myanmar’s effort to uphold stability, grow the economy and improve people’s livelihood, and provides constructive help for parties in Myanmar to properly address differences through political consultation within the framework of the constitution and other laws." said spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Mr. Wang Yi is to attend the Ninth Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that will be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand on 16 August 2024 and during the trip, he has reportedly planned to visit Myanmar.

A few days ago, the Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun came to Myanmar and discussed with chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing about matters relating to the election, peace and stability of border areas.

Currently, battles are severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the armed groups which are under the Chinese influence in northern Shan State and Mandalay Region.