CNI News

30 June 2025

There are considerations among military and political observers regarding whether the peace talks and meetings held by the SAC's National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) can actually work without the armed groups that are currently fighting on the ground. 

The SAC only invites some armed groups that have signed the NCA, political parties registered with the UEC, delegates from neighboring countries and some media outlets to the talks led and held by the SAC.

Despite the SAC's invitations to the armed forces fighting on the ground to resolve the political issue through political means, no action has been taken to involve them.

the participation of armed resistance forces in the talks may depend on the outcome of the talks held by the SAC, and if any result didn't come out in the peace talks, there was no reason for the armed groups to participate in the talks, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News.

While the Peace Forum was being held

"For the time being, although the SAC is holding peace talks or peace forums, if no solution comes out, the fighting groups won't participate in the talks. But I think they also want the peace of Myanmar. If they see that peace is essential, they will participate. Right now, they won't participate in the talks. They can say there is no discussion about blood debt now. There is a Chinese saying: Make those close to you happy, and those far away will come. We haven't seen anything about making those close to them happy. In this situation, those far away will find it difficult to come." he said.

The SAC held the Peace Forum 2025 in Nay Pyi Taw from June 25 to 27, as a follow-up to the Peace Talk 2025 held in March. 

The event was attended by the SAC Chairman and delegations from Thailand, India, and China. 

The SAC chairman said that when the parliament emerged and people could walk on the path of democracy, taking up arms and demanding ones' wishes was a deviation from democracy. He said that the demands would have to be discussed and approved by each parliament.

The talks held by the SAC are more about maintaining their power than peace, and therefore cannot negotiate with groups that would outright attack them, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News.

“The military council’s aim is to hold theatrical discussions with the aim of maintaining its hold on power by all means possible.During the era of the Burma Socialist Programme Party, General Ne Win also held similar talks and so did the State Peace Development Council. So their goal is not to bring peace and stability to Burma. They are only doing this to strengthen their military dictatorship and continue to hold power.So he (SAC Chairman) can't negotiate with the people who are going to attack his army to the end. That's why he is holding talks with his followers." she said.

Currently, the Myanmar military is engaged in clashes with armed rebel groups across Myanmar, with the fighting in the northern region having been relatively reduced due to China's influence.

However, in order to overcome the political crisis and restore democracy, while fighting continues in other areas, the SAC has said that elections will be held in separate phases in December 2025 and January 2026, and the state power will be handed over to the winning party.

CNI News

30 June 2025

In today’s international landscape, where we are facing many challenges, we must collectively overcome them together, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the 4th Eurasian Economic Forum (EEF 2025) held in Minsk, Belarus on June 26, 2025.

“In today’s international landscape which is faced with many challenges, we must work together to overcome threats. In such a joint effort, we are pleased to see that the Eurasian Economic Union has achieved steady growth and significant achievements in recent years, despite external economic challenges and sanctions,” he said. 

He said Myanmar wants to explore and expand potential for cooperation with Eurasian Economic Union member countries in sectors such as economy and trade.

The SAC Chairman said that Myanmar was eager to become a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and would like to request member states to support Myanmar in becoming an observer country of the Eurasian Economic Union.

While the Eurasian Economic Forum was being held

Businessman U Aung Pyae Sone told CNI News that since Myanmar is a country under economic sanctions, it would be convenient only when working collectively was conducted.

“For a country that is under sanctions, the scope is narrow. When it comes to trading within such a narrow scope, it is difficult for entrepreneurs, and the government has to be very careful, so it is only possible if everyone cooperates. All individuals, associations, and organizations along this trade route need to cooperate. "Only when the security agencies responsible for securing the territory along this route work together, will we be able to overcome these trade difficulties," he said.

In today's world, political and economic pressure and sanctions on small countries by powerful countries are violating the fundamentals of small countries said the SAC Chairman, adding that Myanmar supports the activities of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which is implementing the development of countries around the world by respecting the good fundamentals that should exist in each country.

Myanmar is under economic sanctions by the United States, Europe, and Western groups, as well as sanctions by the International Labor Organization (ILO), resulting in a lack of investment and the withdrawal of existing international investments.

However, the SAC chairman is lobbying for investment from countries such as Russia, Belarus, China, Singapore, and Thailand.

CNI News

30 June 2025

Thailand may suspend participating in the Myanmar peace process due to instability within the government following the border dispute with Cambodia, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News. 

He said that Thailand can make more progress in Myanmar politics than other neighboring countries, but due to their own internal problems, they cannot retreat from their efforts in Myanmar politics, but they may suspend.

“Thailand won't back down. There is only a pause. Right now, they seem to estimate that they have enough time. Another thing is that if Myanmar holds an election, they can help. If they can’t, they will fold their arms. That’s the situation. If Thailand really takes the lead, it will be a step forward. The reason Thailand can’t take the lead right now is because of its internal problems. If its internal problems aren’t so complicated, it will definitely be able to lead the Myanmar issue,” he told CNI News.

While seeing the SAC Chairman and Thai PM Paetongtarn

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn is facing pressure to resign and is facing a possible military coup after a leaked audio record in which she criticized the commander of Military Region 2 during a phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Then, the Buja Thai Party withdrew from the Thai coalition government led by Paetongtarn, and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin, who was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, also resigned from his position. 

In addition, protests against her broke out in Bangkok, with protesters demanding her resignation and Paetongtarn had to apologize to the public.

In these circumstances, Thai media reported that Paetongtarn is reorganizing the Thai government and plans to make a full announcement soon. Furthermore, the Thai-Cambodian conflict has been another blow to ASEAN, which is already under pressure due to the failure to resolve the Myanmar issue.

Amidst these developments,  even if there was a coup or a change of government in Thailand, there would be no problem in relations with Myanmar,  Myanmar political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News. 

While seeing former Thai Foreign Minister, Mr. Sihasak who attended the Peace Forum held

“Prime Minister Thaksin announced that he would go to Myanmar as soon as he came to power. So he knows that he must do something to bring peace to Myanmar, so the current Thai military and Myanmar will work to achieve peace. Everyone understands that  unrest in Myanmar will bring no interests to Thailand. Myanmar will never invade Thailand. So I think there are no problems with relations between Myanmar and Thailand. Even if the Thai military takes power, it will only be temporary. It will not change the socio-economic system. Thailand has relations with China and the West. So, there is no major impact. And there is no major impact on Myanmar as well." he said.

A new PM will come to power within three months in Thailand, wrote former Cambodian PM Hunsen on his social network page on June 24, 2025.

There would be a change of prime minister in Thailand and he knew who the next prime minister would be, but he had not yet revealed it to surprise everyone, he said

Recently, former Thai Foreign Minister Mr. Sihasak and retired Royal Thai Army Lieutenant General Nothapol attended the Peace Forum 2025, which was held in Myanmar from June 25 to 27, 2025.

CNI News

28 June 2025

Myanmar also wants to become a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the 4th Eurasian Economic Forum (EEF 2025) held in Minsk, Belarus on June 26, 2025.

“Myanmar is also very keen to become a member of the Eurasian Economic Union. I would like to sincerely request that member states support Myanmar in quickly becoming an observer state of the Eurasian Economic Union,” he said.

He said that Myanmar wanted to explore and expand the potential for cooperation with Eurasian Economic Union member countries in sectors such as economy and trade.

The SAC Chairman pledged to continue active cooperation based on the existing friendship and mutual respect, mutually beneficial cooperation and equality between his country and the Eurasian Economic Union.

While the SAC Chairman was speaking at the Eurasian Economic Forum

The engagement between Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Union began in 2022. At the invitation of Myanmar, a delegation from the EAEU and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) visited Myanmar and had extensive discussions with relevant ministries on various electricity and energy sectors. And the engagement has gained momentum since 2023, he said.

A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Commission was signed at the 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum held in Russia, and in 2024, a delegation from the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) visited Myanmar, accelerating multi-sectoral cooperation, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

CNI News

28 June 2025

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that while it is necessary to be harmonious with other countries in international relations, special care must be taken not to fall under the influence of foreign countries. 

He made the above remarks while delivering the opening remarks at the Peace Forum 2025 held in Nay Pyi Taw from June 25 to 27, 2025.

“While it is true that we need to be harmonious with other countries in international relations, we must also be careful not to fall under the influence of foreign countries. Due to our historical background, our country has pursued an independent, active, and non-aligned foreign policy and has adhered to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and friendly relation with other countries. I would also like to emphasize the need to have harmonious relations with neighboring countries and to respect and value the existing laws of our own country," said the SAC chairman.

While the Peace Forum was being held

He then said that in bringing peace to Myanmar, there must be no foreign interference and that it must be free from internal subversive elements.

In the political turmoil that has unfolded since February 1, 2021, armed groups, democracy activists, and parliamentarians have been waging an armed revolution to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the SAC.

Military and political observers point out that the groups carrying out the armed revolution could be divided into  northern groups and southern groups, with the northern group being close to China and the southern group being close to the West, including the United States.

 The SAC chairman wanted to mean that although it is necessary to build a mutually beneficial relationship, Myanmar must not fall under the influence of other countries, U Thein Htun Oo of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies Group told CNI News.

While seeing Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Special Envoy Deng Xijun

“The main thing is that it is necessary to understand what  foreign interference is. Foreign interference is that some countries shape the politics they want in world affairs and try to force other countries to follow their ideas, the paths they take, and the patterns they set. Therefore, as a sovereign country, we must decide our own territorial policy without foreign interference. Among the countries in the world, there are countries with which we should have close relations and cooperation. There are many countries with which we have political, economic, and strategic ties. We need to establish friendly and lasting partnerships with each country."A country wants our country to do what it wants. Here, there are good suggestions, and there are also suggestions that it wants to influence our country . The SAC chairman means building a relationship that is mutually beneficial between our country and that country, not being influenced by that country," he said.

Since the SAC and the Myanmar military have been ostracized and sanctioned by European countries, including the United States, the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has been building diplomatic relations with China, Russia, Belarus, India, and Thailand. 

Then, China's mediation assistance is sought in resolving the ongoing armed conflicts in Myanmar. The Northern Alliance (TNLA-MNDAA-AA), which is currently engaged in fierce fighting with the Myanmar Tatmadaw, has also announced that it will seek Chinese mediation and protect investments, including Chinese state-owned projects, in Myanmar.

CNI News

27 June 2025

Democracy must be implemented in a Myanmar style manner by the Myanmar people, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. 

He made the remarks in the opening speech of the Peace Forum 2025, which is being held from June 25-27, 2025.

“In implementing democracy, we need to learn from the experiences of some countries around the world which implemented democracy. There is no uniformity among the countries n the world in implementing democracy. Even Western European countries have different implementation patterns and so do Asian countries. We will not copy other countries in implementing our democratic system. We, the Myanmar people, must lead and implement a democratic system that is consistent with our country's history, lifestyle, cultural characteristics, customs and traditions, in a Myanmar way and style. If everyone works together, putting the interests of the state and the people first, it will be effective and successful," he said.

Myanmar had been implementing a parliamentary democracy since Myanmar gained her independence, and the first democratic government that took office in 2011 under the 2008 Constitution also faced many challenges in implementing the democracy system, he said, adding that the Myanmar people must learn from these experiences and develop a democratic system that is suitable for the country.

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

“Our country is not new to democracy, but had been implementing parliamentary democracy since independence. During that time, we faced many difficulties. During the first democratic government that took office in 2011 under the 2008 Constitution, we were able to implement democratic reforms and reforms in politics, economy, society, international relations, and other sectors, but we also faced many challenges. We need to learn from these lessons and develop a democratic system that suits our country." said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

In Myanmar, efforts are being made to develop a democratic system through peace talks between the government, military, parliament, and armed groups. However, there are differences of opinion on which type of union system to build, such as a democratic federal union, a federal democratic union, or a union based on democracy and federalism. 

Furthermore, during the Ne Win era, the Myanmar-style socialism was practiced, but a one-party system only emerged and after a popular uprising, the 1974 constitution was abolished and the military seized power.

Then, Senior General Saw Maung and Senior General Than Shwe ruled the country successively and the 2008 constitution was drafted and promulgated. Then, in 2011, the military handed over power to the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which had won the 2010 general election, and a government led by U Thein Sein emerged.

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

After the Thein Sein government, the National League for Democracy (NLD) won the 2015 general election and formed a government that ruled until 2020.

However, the 2020 general election saw the NLD win again, but the election voter list was disputed, and the military demanded the NLD to examine the dispute, but the NLD attempted to form a government And then the Myanmar Tatmadaw declared a state of emergency and seized power on February 1, 2021. Then, protests broke out against the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the SAC, with protesters demanding the establishment of democracy. 

Then, some ethnic armed groups and democracy activists attempted to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the SAC through armed resistance.

In order to overcome these political crises and restore democracy, elections would be held in phases in December 2025 and January 2026, and power would be transferred to the winning party, the SAC announced.

CNI News

27 June 2025

Amid the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar, policy is more important than money in driving economic development, economic analyst U Htay Aung Kyi told CNI News.

Businessmen and market analysts point out that Myanmar is currently facing an international economic embargo and very weak investment, which is causing the economy to decline, the cost of living is high, inflation is rising, and illegal trade is increasing. 

Therefore, it is important for those managing the country to carefully handle and set policies.

Economic analyst U Htay Aung Kyi said that Myanmar's system is so weak that it prioritizes business operations over profits, and that policy is more important than money for the country's development. 

While illustrating the market economy

“The main thing is to properly reform the basic economic system. To reform the basic economic system, a good political system is also needed. Even though there is no political efficacy, we need to think about everything else correctly. We can't think about it with economics alone. When the system is very weak, government intervention is needed. At a time like this, even if you don't make much profit, you have to prioritize the operation of the business. This is a matter of policy. To build a country and develop it, policy is more important than money. So a kind of intelligence that can think and reason is needed to set a  policy," he said.

Economic analyst U Htay Aung Kyi said it is important for economic regulations to be appropriate and to lay down policies that implement the market economy system. 

While seing a grocery market row

"The main thing is that economic policy should be based on a market economy. For example, China uses a one-party system, Vietnam also uses a one-party system. Their market economy is clearly implemented because there are the most fundamental reasons for it in their countries. Laws, regulations, and procedures related to the economy should not be completed on paper. Because we must first create the fundamental factors that define a market economy. But the way the policy is implemented is more important. The four economic objectives. These objectives must be in harmony with time and place. Because prices must be right. Without right prices, there cannot be a market economy. The next most important point is that the incentive management system needs to be right. For the incentive system to be right, there must be guarantees. The economic system must have guarantees. When we talk about the economic system, it has 14 sectors. When it comes to economic policy, there are three things that need to be done first. The poolicy that can implement the market economy well is important," he said.

Businessmen say that the red-tapism is strong in Myanmar now and all policies are handled by one person. 

If the person handling the policy does not approve it, it is difficult for the relevant ministries to approve domestic or foreign investments.

Similarly, entrepreneurs point out that relevant officials should scrutinize Myanmar's economic investments and business permits which are kind of implementing a policy of favoring families and relatives, and that efforts should be made to lift international sanctions.

CNI News

27 June 2025

Despite the ongoing conflicts among ASEAN countries as well as among major Middle Eastern countries, China's focus on Myanmar will not diminish, China-Myanmar affairs analyst Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw told CNI News. 

She said that China will continue to work to stabilize Myanmar's affairs, as it has been continuously striving to build cooperation with the 10 ASEAN countries.

"China is trying to re-carry out its investments in Myanmar. It also seems to be trying to re-establish trade with Myanmar. I think some businesses are already re-operating. According to the news we get from the border, we hear that quite a few Chinese factories have come and opened in Myanmar. China is trying to re-carry out its investments in Myanmar. It also seems to be trying to re-establish trade with Myanmar. I think some businesses are already re-operating. According to the news we get from the border, we hear that quite a few Chinese factories have come and opened in Myanmar. Some Western media outlets don't seem to like the unity of ASEAN and China. So, in the Middle East, they seem to be turning their attention to Asia to distract from what Netanyahu is doing in Gaza. Whether just look at the Cambodia and Thailand cases or just look at the Philippines cases, some media outlets are trying to instigate. The case in the Philippines will become problematic if China only intervenes and starts a war. China seems to be avoiding this. It seems that the West is trying to get China involved in other complicated issues, including the Taiwan issue, and stop China's development path." she said.

While seeing the strength competition between Iran and Israel

Although China is not as openly involved in the current conflicts between major powers as the United States, it is expressing concern and opposition to these conflicts.China is the largest importer of oil from Iran, and Beijing is a close political partner city of Tehran, but has refrained from providing military support to Iran and has avoided direct involvement in the conflict, Western media reported.

Despite the ongoing conflict between the major powers, China could help Myanmar hold a successful general election to stabilize its borders and Myanmar, military and political analysts have pointed out. Furthermore, China will not make its neighbor Myanmar a failed state, Myanmar political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI.

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese President Xi Jinping

"The People's Republic of China will never turn Myanmar into a failed state. It is not in its interest. Therefore, the domestic political situation will gradually improve. When the people already want democracy, the military will put them on the path of democracy. The people will follow. There are people who oppose and disturb us. I hope that the country will gradually improve both politically and militarily as we continue to move in the right direction.” he said.

China regards Myanmar as one of its own states and will not accept at all that Myanmar will become an ally of the Western bloc. China has influence over some ethnic armed organizations and is currently trying to influence the SAC, according to military and political circles.

CNI News

27 June 2025

Despite the rising electricity prices in Myanmar, the Ministry of Electricity needs to transparently inform the public about the circumstances and rates at which the increases have been made, business owners and the public have pointed out. 

Businesses, including those from the lower classes, are facing rising living costs and business operating costs due to the increase in electricity rates, businessman U Aung Pyae Sone told CNI News.

"The electricity that is provided in our country is distributed by the government in three ways: first, hydroelectric power, electricity generated from natural gas, and coal. The most is obtained from hydroelectric power. Currently, only half of the country's electricity consumption can be supplied, so  the electricity is being provided to Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay by percentage. However, there has been no announcement yet why the electricity bill has increased or how much it has been increased. Has the electricity bill gone up if over 50 units are used instead of an increase in the bill only if more than 100 units are used? The Ministry of Electricity needs to make a public announcement on this issue. The ministry needs to inform the public why the electricity bills increase or that the bills have not increased. It's necessary that the people strongly believe they have to pay more only because they used more electricity. At a time like this, the grassroots are in a difficult situation. If they have to pay more for the electricity, it could cause difficulties for them," he said.

While announcing the increase in electricity bills

The Ministry of Electricity announced on August 30, 2024, that the electricity tariff for household use was designated 50 kyats per unit for 1 to 50 units, 100 kyats per unit for 51 to 100 units, 150 kyats per unit for 101 to 200 units, and 300 kyats per unit for 201 units and above. 

It was announced that the electricity consumption fee for commercial use would be designated 250 kyats per unit for 1 to 5,000 units, 400 kyats per unit for 5,000 to 20,000 units, and 500 kyats per unit for 20,000 units and above.

While seeing the electricity bill

Economic analyst U Htay Aung Kyi told CNI News that the increase in electricity rates should not happen at a time when the economic situation in Myanmar is bad.

It is known that electricity is not yet available nationwide in Myanmar, and the cities of Yangon and Mandalay are provided on a rotating basis, with 4 hours on and 4 hours off per day.A housewife said that electricity bills have increased by half, and that while she used to pay only 40,000 kyats, she is now paying up to 80,000 kyats.