CNI News

3 September 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and former KNU Chairman

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

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

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

CNI News

2 September 2025

H.E. Mr. Han Zheng, Vice President of China, and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Interim President of Myanmar and Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission The meeting was held on September 2, 2025, at the Yaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is visiting China on August 30, 2025, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He then met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Modi, and discussed with Chinese-Myanmar business leaders.

CNI News

2 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, said that efforts will be made to ensure that those who come to Myanmar to invest and those engaged in trade will not suffer losses.

He made these remarks at the Myanmar-China Economic Cooperation Promotion Meeting held at the Tangla Hotel in Tianjin, China, on August 31, 2025.

Businesspeople noted that in order for economic enterprises to grow stronger and for stronger competition, it would be necessary for the post-election government to be a clean government that could properly implement a market economic system.

U Aung Pyae Sone, a businessman, told CNI News that ensuring no harm for traders must start with addressing current problems at border gates and basic micro-enterprises.

While China-Myanmar-India economic cooperation agreements were being signed

“Although they say there will be no losses, traders are currently facing many difficulties importing goods through border areas. For example, at the Myawaddy trade gate, a large number of goods are stuck on the Thai side and cannot be imported into Myanmar. If they pass the permitted deadline, the Thai authorities will confiscate the goods. That is a direct loss for traders. When conducting trade, the most important thing is to be able to do business quickly and efficiently. For that, these imports need to be permitted without delay.” he said.

He also pointed out that the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee should ease monetary controls so that goods can be imported more easily.

“Another issue is the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee. When many imports come in, they assume that a large outflow of foreign currency will occur, so they impose restrictions. But on the other hand, these goods are essential domestic needs. When such imports fall into restricted categories, it becomes harder to purchase them, prices rise, and in some cases, they may even be brought in illegally. Therefore, if they really want to ensure traders do not suffer losses, they should address these basic business issues first.” he explained.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing added that Myanmar is a country with good opportunities for investors. With the free and fair elections planned for December, greater political stability will emerge, and there will be more opportunities for business and economic cooperation.

Chinese business people

U Htay Aung Kyii, an economic analyst, told CNI News that the main obstacle for traders is weak security in transportation and logistics, which needs to be resolved.

“The main losses for traders are barriers to trade. For example, whether exporting or importing with currencies like the Korean Won or US Dollar, the gap between the official exchange rate and the market rate makes transactions difficult and costly. For smooth trade, security along transportation routes is also essential. Another issue is taxation. Since our country is poor, I won’t comment much on taxes, but if transport routes are secure and trade barriers are removed, improving trade would be easy. The most crucial factor is security.” he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also invited investors to come to Myanmar with confidence to engage in economic cooperation.

On August 30, 2025, during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also discussed Myanmar’s prospective membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and cooperation with China in building a high-quality Belt and Road Initiative.

CNI News

2 September 2025

China and India seem to have guaranteed Myanmar’s political situation both before and after the upcoming election, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), which is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), to CNI News.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission, arrived in China on August 30, 2025.

He then separately met with President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss Myanmar issues, the election, security, and economic cooperation.

Colonel Khun Okkara told CNI News that the fact that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met not only with Xi Jinping but also with Narendra Modi during his China trip shows that two major powers are willing to accept Myanmar’s political reality.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing arriving in China

“Both in the pre-election and post-election period, the two big countries—India and China—are politically acknowledging Myanmar’s situation in advance. Looking at their actions, whether it’s the current situation before the election or developments after the election, it seems these two major countries have taken responsibility and are acting as guarantors.” he said.

President Xi Jinping had invited Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held from August 31 to September 1, as well as the September 3 military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

Accordingly, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing arrived in China on August 30, 2025.

This trip is expected to have major implications for Myanmar’s future political process, said U Thein Tun Oo, Executive Director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing inspecting Tianjin Port

“China and Myanmar need to build strong relations. They have had them before, but due to certain circumstances, those ties seemed distant. However, given today’s geopolitical situation between Myanmar and China, it is impossible to simply overlook each other. That’s why the Senior General went to meet President Xi. From this trip, there is much hope for Myanmar’s future processes.” he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing had previously met President Xi Jinping in Moscow in 2024 and also met Prime Minister Modi in Bangkok during the 8th BIMSTEC Summit in April 2025.

However, this time the meetings were held in a special bilateral format, focusing on border stability, Myanmar’s upcoming elections, economic cooperation, and post-earthquake recovery.

President Xi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also discussed Myanmar’s potential membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

In addition, Prime Minister Modi and the Senior General reached agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in the mining of rare earth minerals and in the security sector.

Myanmar is scheduled to hold the first phase of its general election on December 28, 2025, after which the winning political party will be handed state power, according to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

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.