CNI News

17 October 2025

Political parties in Myanmar say that no strong opposition parties have yet emerged ahead of the upcoming election.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission, has stated that power will be peacefully transferred to the political party that wins the election.

At present, party leaders say they have not seen any strong opposition parties, although the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) remains the strongest among them, according to U Li Paw Reh, Chairman of the Lisu National Development Party, who spoke to CNI News.

“Right now, there’s no strong opposition party that we can see. But at this point, the USDP is the strongest party. That’s how we view it. However, whether or not other ethnic or religious groups are part of this government isn’t really an issue. What matters most is the parliament. For the government to be effectively checked and balanced, parliament must be strong. If ethnic and other parties can participate equally in parliament, then the government won’t be able to act solely on its own will. The government that emerges will therefore be fairer,” he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen at the NCA 10th Anniversary ceremony

During the administration of U Thein Sein, strong opposition parties included the National League for Democracy (NLD) and the Arakan National Party (ANP).

Under Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), Arakan National Party (ANP), and USDP were among the prominent opposition parties.

However, this time, political parties, rather than acting as opposition forces, intend to work together for national development after the election,

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party, told CNI News:

Political parties attending the 10th Anniversary of the NCA

“During the time of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Thein Sein, powerful parties were called the opposition. But in the coming election, instead of forming an opposition, I think parties will work together for the country’s progress. I’ve reviewed the parties that will compete in this election, and when they discuss peace issues, they all share similar views. Their main focus is on how to build a better nation. So I think cooperation will be more important than confrontation. If the government’s performance is unsatisfactory, or if its actions don’t align with the people’s wishes, then parliamentarians will speak up. There will surely be differences of opinion in parliament, but through constructive dialogue, I hope we can build the nation together,” he said.

The first phase of Myanmar’s 2025 general election will be held in 102 townships on December 28, 2025, followed by the second phase in 100 townships in January 2026.

CNI News

17 October 2025

Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun stated that China strictly adheres to the policy of not interfering in Myanmar's internal affairs and opposes the interference of other countries in Myanmar's internal affairs.

He made the remark during his speech at the ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) held in Nay Pyi Taw on October 15, 2025.

Deng Xijun said, "An election is necessary for Myanmar's general election. China applies a policy of friendly relations with all the people of Myanmar and strictly adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Furthermore, I would like to say that we respect Myanmar's political traditions and oppose the situation where external forces interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs."

While the NCA anniversary ceremony was being held.

He mentioned that over the past 10 years, they have been committed to helping the Myanmar government end the wars and promote peace to maintain peace and stability within Myanmar.

Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun said that in recent years, China has helped the Myanmar Tatmadaw sign ceasefire agreements with the relevant Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) to facilitate negotiations.

He said, "On the one hand, China has worked to stabilize and improve the situation in the relevant border areas. I would like to say that I fully respect Myanmar's national sovereignty and am ready to continue playing a constructive role as a facilitator in the peace negotiations."

China is assisting the Myanmar Tatmadaw in ending the wars in northern Shan State, Myanmar, and regaining control of towns captured by armed groups.

With China's mediation, the Myanmar Tatmadaw regained Lashio town, which was occupied by the Kokang Army (MNDAA), and a bilateral ceasefire agreement was reached.

Subsequently, China is working to facilitate a meeting and negotiation between the Ta'ang Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw to halt the fighting.

CNI News

17 October 2025

The Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that although Myanmar has been independent for over 77 years, it is necessary to review what fruits have been enjoyed.

He delivered the speech at the ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) on October 15, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "It has been over 77 years since we gained independence. In 2028, it will be 80 years. What have we fully enjoyed from our independence? We need to look back at this. Since independence, due to various interferences, the ethnic people of this country have faced various kinds of suffering and hardship. We can compare ourselves with stable and developing countries, including our neighbours. If we compare ourselves with countries of similar power—in other words, similar population, similar land area, and similar economy—we can see that we have been left behind. Why is this? It was mentioned in my earlier speech as well. We see that this has happened due to various internal and external interferences."

Myanmar gained independence from British rule on January 4, 1948.

However, just three months after independence, on March 28, 1948, the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) began an armed revolution, and in 1949, the Karen people began their armed revolution.

Since then, ethnic groups within Myanmar have formed armed organizations under the principles of equality and self-determination, and they have been fighting and revolting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw up until today.

Nevertheless, on October 15, 2015, the NCA agreement was signed between the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the government, and ethnic armed organizations to end the armed conflict.

Subsequently, on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government, claiming that it was attempting to form a government without resolving the dispute over the 2020 General Election voter lists, and declared a state of emergency.

As a result, people have opposed and protested against the Myanmar Tatmadaw, and there are ongoing attempts to overthrow the Tatmadaw through armed conflict.

CNI News

17 October 2025

Mr. Deng Xijun, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, met and discussed Myanmar affairs.

Mr. Deng Xijun visited the Commission Chairman on October 14, 2025, while he was in Myanmar to attend the ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

During the meeting, they discussed the importance of China's assistance to Myanmar's internal peace and development and its emphasis on Myanmar's sovereignty.

They also discussed the situation regarding the holding of the NCA ceremony, the participation of international witnesses, including China, in the signing of the NCA, and the strategic relationship between Myanmar and China as good neighbors, where they share both joy and sorrow with friendship.

Furthermore, the preparations for holding a free and fair election in Myanmar in December and China's encouragement and support for the election were discussed, as well as the arrangements made for the public to vote using Myanmar Electronic Voting Machines (MECM) to ensure a free and fair election. This was released by the Information Team of the National Defense and Security Council.

Similarly, it is learned that they also discussed the invitation of international election observation teams, including from China, for the election, matters regarding cooperation for stability and peace in the border regions between the two countries, and the continuation of promoting friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Also present at the meeting between the Commission Chairman and Mr. Deng Xijun were Secretary of the State Security and Peace Commission, General Ye Win Oo, Commission Member and Minister for Border Affairs, Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, and Lieutenant General Ko Ko Oo from the Commander-in-Chief's Office (Army).

CNI News

16 October 2025

The Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), Sai Htay Aung, told CNI News that the time has come for the armed revolution occurring throughout Myanmar to end.

Due to the political conflicts that have changed since February 1, 2021, intense fighting has erupted nationwide between the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) and groups such as the KIA, TNLA, MNDAA, CNF, ABSDF, KNU, AA, and PDFs, leading to destroyed cities and approximately 6 million people displaced and fleeing their homes.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party, told CNI News that while armed organizations may gain the upper hand militarily in the short term, they will ultimately lose to the government in the long run. Therefore, the time has come for the armed revolution to cease.

He said, "In the short term, the armed revolutionary groups might win. But in the long run, they will always lose to the government. Back in 1949, the Myanmar government was even referred to as the Rangoon government. Later on, the Tatmadaw gradually gained victory. The current situation is similar. The Tatmadaw will gradually be able to reclaim the areas as they conduct military operations. However, one thing is that the Tatmadaw should invite [them] for political negotiations on one side, and on the other side, they need to be completely rooted out. From my perspective, I want to say that the time has come for the armed revolution in Myanmar to end."

Sai Htay Aung also pointed out that after the Myanmar military seized the town of Kyaukme on October 1st, local residents warmly welcomed the Tatmadaw. He suggested that previous hatred towards the Tatmadaw might have been due only to false propaganda.

Furthermore, he stated that the people now clearly know under which administration they can live safely and what the difference is between armed group administration and military administration.

Sai Htay Aung said, "Before, these towns were under government administration. Now, they have also experienced rebel administration. I think the people know very well the difference between government administration and rebel administration. In that case, who will the people accept? Now, it is a pleasure to see images of people who fled from Kyaukme due to the fighting returning and warmly welcoming the Tatmadaw. Before, they might have hated the Tatmadaw due to false propaganda. Today, as the Tatmadaw becomes like a savior, it becomes the people's refuge. I see this as a factor that will decide the future of Myanmar's affairs."

After launching an offensive into areas seized by the TNLA, the Myanmar military recaptured Nawngchio in July 2025 and Kyaukme on October 1, 2025.

Similarly, the Myanmar military's offensive to retake Mogok is approaching the town, and the Tatmadaw is also attacking to retake Hsipaw.

The ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) was held in Naypyidaw on October 15, 2025, attended by international diplomats including India, China, and Thailand, as well as both NCA signatories and non-signatory armed groups.

CNI News

15 October 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, stated that even though they know the saying "a scattered herd gets dragged away by the tiger(“United we stand, divided we fall”)" it is necessary "not to adopt the mindset of “I row my own boat — whether it reaches Bago or not.(“I’ll sink or swim on my own,”)".

He made this statement while delivering a speech at the ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in Naypyidaw on October 15, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "Up until the present day, it is necessary to be extremely vigilant as domestic and international subversive groups, who do not want the ethnic brethren to be harmonious, united, and consolidated, are using various methods to carry out all kinds of disruptions. Even though we know that a scattered herd gets dragged away by the tiger, it is also necessary not to adopt the mindset of “I row my own boat — whether it reaches Bago or not. The saying that 'The nation's strength lies within the nation' is extremely profound in meaning and will forever be true; it is necessary to pay attention and abide by it."

Ethnic armed organizations, political parties, international diplomats, some stakeholders, and media attended the ceremony.

CNI News
15 October 2025

The ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) was held in Naypyidaw on October 15, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission attended the event and delivered a speech. International diplomats and some ethnic armed organizations also delivered speeches.

Subsequently, a workshop titled "Building a Peaceful Future for Myanmar" will be held from October 15 to 17.

CNI News

15 October 2025

Military and political analysts are watching to see what kind of impact the meeting between Mr. Hassan, the Foreign Minister of Malaysia (which holds the ASEAN rotating chairmanship), and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Chairman of the Security and Peace Commission, on October 9, might have on Myanmar.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party, told CNI News that since the Malaysian Foreign Minister would assist with the election, the election might receive international recognition, and the next government that emerges could be one that garners international attention.

He said, "It is important. In my opinion, since he is going to help with this election, once this Myanmar election is internationally recognized, the next government that emerges will also be recognized by the international community. The government that emerges from the election will also be a government that can receive attention from the international community. Things might change for the better, that's my view. For this time, the election will be over. And then, a government will emerge. Once a government chosen by the people emerges, parliament will appear. Once parliament emerges, the people's voices can be raised and discussed in parliament. At the moment, there is no organization that speaks for the people's voices, so the people's voice is lost. When the people's voice emerges, I believe that politics will move quickly towards the better."

Caption: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Malaysian Foreign Minister Mr. Hassan seen during the meeting.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party, pointed out that because the armed struggle has lasted for over 70 years, Myanmar is suffering losses and the people are facing hardship.

He stated, "In my opinion, the armed struggle has been going on for over 70 years; the people are suffering hardship and the country is suffering losses. Therefore, if you want to do politics and love the country, it is best to resolve it at the negotiation table. If we are going to resolve it at the negotiation table, we need to remove hatred. We want those who have been invited by the Commission to come. The armed struggle in Myanmar has caused the country to suffer and the people to face hardship. If you love the people and love the country, and come and find a solution at the negotiation table, I believe that a lot of development will happen for the country."

The Malaysian Foreign Minister, Mr. Hassan, announced that ASEAN would send an election observation team to the election to be held in Myanmar on December 28, 2025.

When Malaysia took on the ASEAN rotating chairmanship, the strained relationship between Myanmar and ASEAN improved, and the weak diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Myanmar also strengthened again.

CNI News

15 October 2025

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has committed itself in speech, making it increasingly difficult to coordinate with the Myanmar military (Myanmar Tatmadaw), according to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), who spoke to CNI News.

He explained that the TNLA is now in a position where retreating is difficult, while the Myanmar military seems determined to fight until the issue is resolved militarily. However, if TNLA were to pull back to its original Palaung self-administered zone, the situation might ease.

“For the Ta’ang (TNLA), it’s already too difficult to withdraw. The Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) also seems to want to solve things only through fighting. If the Ta’ang troops move back into their original Palaung self-administered area, it will be easier for them. Otherwise, they’ll be attacked. Coordination has become difficult. The words have run out.

Leaders of the Three Northern Alliances

The Kokang (MNDAA) had already made arrangements before — they’ve reached a ceasefire. They can still go to Lashio when needed and meet for discussions. So for the Kokang, I think they’ll coordinate more easily. If China gets involved, China will make sure the guarantees are strong. If both the Tatmadaw and China give guarantees, then they’ll reconsider. But the Palaung (TNLA) are in a tougher situation. They can’t be the same as the Kokang.”, said Colonel Khun Okkar.

On October 27, 2023, the TNLA, together with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Arakan Army (AA), KNDF, BNRA, BPLA, MDY-PDF, DPLA, PLA, and other resistance groups, launched Operation 1027 across northern Shan State and parts of Mandalay Region.

During the operation, TNLA captured several towns in northern Shan State — Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Mongngawt, Namtu, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Naungcho, Momeik, Monglon, Kutkai — as well as Mogok in Mandalay Region.

Later, in February 2025 (Feb 16–17), delegations led by TNLA Lt-Gen Tar Jock Jar and Tatmadaw's Lt-Gen Ko Ko Oo held peace talks in Kunming, China, but the discussions were unsuccessful.

TNLA and two Tatmadaw delegates seen during their meeting

Follow-up meetings took place on April 28–29, 2025, and again in late August 2025, but none of these negotiations produced an agreement.

Meanwhile, under Chinese mediation, MNDAA and the Myanmar military signed a ceasefire agreement, after which Lashio was handed back to government control.

According to Colonel Khun Okkar, because MNDAA is ethnically and linguistically close to China, it is easier for them to communicate, and thus they are unlikely to face renewed fighting — unlike TNLA, which has not agreed to a ceasefire and is therefore more likely to see continued clashes.

“Kokang is Chinese — their territory, people, and language are all Chinese. So it’s easy for them to talk to China. Historically, the Kokang area only became part of Myanmar under British rule; it used to belong to China. That’s why the Kokang and China have a father-and-son relationship — communication is smooth, and fighting isn’t necessary anymore. Their ceasefire is solid. But the Palaung haven’t agreed to a ceasefire yet, so more clashes are likely.”, he said.

Currently, the Myanmar military has recaptured Kyaukme and Naungcho, both of which were under TNLA control along the China–Myanmar trade route, in July and October 2025, respectively. The military continues offensives toward Hsipaw, and similar operations are being carried out to retake Mogok as well.