CNI News
June 28, 2024

Political and military analysts are reviewing and discussing if former president U Thein Sein's visit to China had an impact on the Myanmar political conflict.

Former U Thein Sein's visit to China came when the battles resumed in northern Shan State and his visit might impact on the Haigen Agreement between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood alliance (TNLA-AA-MNDAA) to an extent, said some people.

U Thein Sein's visit was kind of searching for the relation path again, Col.Khun Okkar, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization, told CNI News.

“When U Thein Sein goes to China to attend a conference marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence that were laid down at the Bangung Conference, he might discuss other issues with the Chinese leaders. In my opinion, agreements cannot be reached in one go. But building the relation path again, it's searching for a way to make things stable kind of." he said.

The Bandung Conference that was held in Bandung City, Indonesia in April, 1955 was attended by the leaders of 29 countries from Asia and Africa and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence agreed by China, India and Myanmar was approved by the leaders.

he 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence was attended by former President U Thein Sein, U Thant Kyaw, chairman of Strategy and International Study Institute, U Tin Oo, chairman of the Myanmar - China Friendship Association, and Daw Than Than Nu, chairperson of the U Nu-Daw Mya Yi Foundation.

During the visit, U Thein Sein and party could discuss domestic peace, politics and the China-Myanmar border trade, some people reviewed. 

U Thein Sein's attendance at the event was not related to resurgence of battles in northern Shan State and the Haigen Agreement arose by reason of domestic conflict, U Than Soe Naing, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence mutual includes non-interference in each other's internal affairs and the military council likes the principles. When China invited U Thein Sein, he went there. But the Haigen meeting arose because of the military and political conflicts occuring within Myanmar. Moreover, U Thein Sein didn't go there on behalf of the government. The time when U Thein Sein went to China coincides with the time when the battles resumed in northern Shan State after the Haigen Agreement was broken." said U Than Soe Naing.

While the battles were severely breaking out in northern Shan State in the end of last year, because of China's mediation, the Haigen Agreement was reached between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (TNLA-MNDAA-AA) to cease fire.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw and the TNLA accused each other that the Haigen Agreement was violated after which the battles resumed on 25th June.

CNI News

28 June 2024

There has been an increase in the number of Myanmar citizens who hold fake documents in the neighboring countries, those who assist in labor matters told CNI News. 

Although those who held fake documents could escape from arrests when they travel normally, because systematical checks were conducted when authorities arrested with an Operaci plan, they could be taken action against with two offences - illegal entrance and holding fake documents, Ko Thet, chairman of the Lovely Heart Philanthropic Youths Blood Donors Association, told CNI News.

If the places where authorities would come to arrest were known in advance, those who have held fake documents in those places should throw away their fake documents and be arrested, compatriots warned one another.

" when there are arrests, most Myanmar citizens announce through Facebook. We, philanthropic associations, also announce that. If the immigration officials come and arrest, throw fake documents away and be arrested. They might show these fake documents to the policemen around the places where they stay. Just a few Myanmar citizens were arrested with the offence of holding fake documents. Most of them were arrested with the offence of overstaying. As an overstayer, if you have held a false card, you can be arrested with two offences." he said.

Among those who have held fake documents, some have held them on purpose and others are holding them because they were cheated that fake documents were genuine reportedly.

While the Thai authorities have detained undocumented foreigners

When visa stamp numbers on the passports of six Myanmar people who tried to enter Malaysia illegally were checked with computer technology a few days ago, they were found to be imitation and they were arrested by the immigration officers in Narathiwat District, Thailand.

Although there were people who sneaked in, holding fake documents since before, now there has been an increase in the number of people who have held fake documents, said the people who help in the labor issues in Thailand.

If one illegally entered, he would be punished for one offence, and if he held fake documents, he would be punished for two offences, Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the  Arakan Workers Organization, told CNI News.

“There are people who have been in jail with possession of fake passport books, when you get the passport, you hve to think whether you went to the offices of the government in person or not. One entered illegally and then when he was checked, if he was found to have held fake documents, he will be punished for two offences. There are fine and imprisonment. If you were arrested with fake documents, you probably will be imprisoned." he said.

Although there has been a sharp increase in the number of people who illegally enter Thailand, there are just a few arrests reportedly. However, the people who sneaked into Malaysia through Thailand are arrested more reportedly.

CNI News

28 June 2024

The government should carry out to control the high price of rice and to stabilize the price of rice by purchasing reserve rice and selling it, pointed out farmers and traders.

The government could carry out to stabilize the price of rice by purchasing rainfed rice in October and November and summer rice in April as reserve rice and selling them in July and September when rice is scarce, said farmers and rice traders.

Purchasing reserve rice and selling it to the public could prevent traders from buying rice at the price that reduce less than reasonable one from farmers and protect the public from the higher price, U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmers Development Association, told CNI News.

While seeing bags of rice

" As reserve rice, the government should buy rice from farmers in October and November when the paddy appears abundantly and then, in April. After that, the reserve rice will be sold to the public at the time when rice is rare. If so, traders can't buy rice by reducing the price. It can control the higher price as well. It can protect both the producers and the consumers." he said.

Because domestic rice consumption is about 800,000 tons each month, the government could control the price of rice by purchasing about 600,000 tons of rice as the reserve rice, he added.

Moreover, it was necessary to know the time when the reserve rice would have to be sold and it was necessary to include the people who sympathize and understand the grassroots in the reserve rice procurement committee, a rice trader told CNI News.

While seeing a rice warehouse

" Only those who buy the reserve rice should not determine the time of sale. Rather than rice traders and people from rice and paddy associations are dominating, the people who sympathize and understand the grassroots should be included in the reserve rice procurement committee." he said.

The reserve rice procurement committee had been formed since the government led by U Thein Sein. However, the program was used only for the people from the areas affected by natural disasters reportedly. However, there have been no more purchases of the national reserve rice since 2021 when political changes started.

Purchasing reserve rice was needed not only for the people from the areas affected by natural disasters but also for controlling higher price of rice, pointed out some people.

CNI News

28 June 2024

Battles are severely breaking out in Kyaukme Township and some residents of the town are trapped, said locals. 

The battles have been breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA) since 25th June. 

The people from some wards of the town are being trapped in the battles, and phone lines and electricity have been out of order, a resident of Kyaukme told CNI News.

" We can't go out. Many residents of the town have to stay at home. We don't know where to go because we are hearing the sounds of gunshots and heavy weapons around our environment. Shops and stores have been closed. We can't buy anything. Because we can't go there, we don't know whether the prices are going up or down." he said.

While seeing the streets of Kyaukme Town without traffic and the people who are trapped in the battle

At present, the TNLA and joint forces have captured hospitals and departments in Kyaukme and they are attacking the Light Infantry Battalion - 501 and 502 of the Myanmar Tatmadaw reportedly.

As the battles have become severe, some residents of the town were trying to displace while others were saying that they would never leave the town, a resident of the town told CNI News.

While seeing the TNLA Force(Frontier Myanmar) 

" Residents of the town don't have any income. They have to save and spend on food and drink every day. You can't receive medical treatment at the hospital because the TNLA has captured the hospital already. Some want to displace while others don't. Even if you want to leave the town, exits have been closed. Those who don't want to leave the town don't know where to go." he said.

Requests would be made to both organizations to enable local residents to flee to safety, he added. The battles broke out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the TNLA joint forces in Kyaukme, Thibaw, Naung Cho, Mogok and Madaya in northern Shan State on 25th June and locals had to flee to safety.

CNI News

28 June 2024

If refugees were arrested, they wanted the Malaysian government to allow the UNHCR to enter the detainee camps, ethnic refugee organizations in Malaysia told CNI News.  

When refugees were arrested, although officials from the UNHCR come to the detainee camps and could help release refugees, permission to enter the detainee camps has been banned by the Malaysian government since 2019.

Because banning the UNHCR to enter the detainee camps delayed to release asylum seekers and to resettle them, he wanted the Malaysian government to allow the UNHCR to enter the detainee camps, James Bawi Thang Bik, chairman of the Alliance of Chin Refugees, told CNI News.

" The UNHCR has not been allowed to enter the detainee camps. The UNHCR and NGOs have mainly demanded to allow them to enter the detainee camps. If they are allowed to enter, refugees can enjoy opportunities." he said.

Moreover, the Malaysian National Security Council suggested the government to close the UNHCR office in Malaysia in 2022. 

As the UNHCR is not allowed to enter the detainee camps, if Myanmar citizens who have held the refugee cards are arrested, informing the UNHCR whether documents are correct or not is delayed. So, the refugees have to stay in the detainee camps for long reportedly.

The UNHCR card

"There are many difficulties. Whether migrants or refugees, they must work. Firstly, they are undocumented. They have no passports, no work permits. Because they didn't come with MoU, they find it difficult to apply for jobs. They face difficulty to go to hospitals or clinics. They are are very weak in the natters regarding laws. Some of them were arrested. They can't travel freely." said an official from the Arakanese Community Malaysia (ARRC) to CNI News.

The number of people who are registered as refugees with the UNHCR and the number of asylum seekers in Malaysia are nearly 190,000 and of them, there are over 160,000 from Myanmar, stated the UNHCR.

The figures were until April, 2024 and among over 160,000 from Myanmar, Bengali people are over 110,000, and Chin people, about 26,000 and, other ethnic people from conflict-hit areas of Myanmar, over 30,000, according to the statement.

65 percent of refugees and asylum seekers are men and 35 percent, women. The number of children under 18 is over 50,000, according to the UNHCR.

CNI News

27 June 2024

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA)/the People's Defense Force (PDF) joint forces have captured some military camps of the Myanmar Tatmadaw during the battles breaking out between the the KIA/PDF joint forces and the Myanmar Tatmadaw in the Indawgyi region, Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, and locals are still trapped in the battles reportedly. 

The joint forces launched an offensive against the Indawgyi region on 22nd June and captured Nyaung Bin and Chaung Wa Villages reportedly.

Due to the military tension between the two sides, although locals wanted to flee to safety, they were still trapped, a local told CNI News. 

" Locals want to leave for  Hopang and Mohnyin. But they can't. The route has been closed at the peak of Nammon Mountain." he said.

While seeing the KIA/PDF

At the Nyaung Bin Village Battle, after negotiation between the two sides, the Myanmar Tatmadaw had to retreat by motor-boats and joined in the Lonton and Nammon military camps, according to locals. At present, the KIA/PDF joint forces have occupied in Nyaung Bin and Chaung Wa, and there are also some shootings in Nammon reportedly.

Because the battles are breaking out in the Indawgyi region, not only can schools not opened, paddy also cannot be grown. So, the price of paddy will go up in the coming year, a local told CNI News in Shanni language.

" More difficult, schools cannot be opened and we cannot grow paddy in the Indawgyi region. So, the price of paddy will go up next year." he said.

The KIA/PDF joint forces have currently captured the Nyaung Bin, Hwelon and Chaung Wa Camps and they might attack Lonton and Nammon in the Indawgyi region, said locals.

CNI News

27 June 2024

Farmers in Mon State have started practicing the direct paddy planting system by scattering seeds on farms because the fee for transplanting paddy has increased by 50 percent reportedly. 

Although the fee for transplanting paddy was 10,000 kyats per head last year, the fee has been 12,000 to 15,000 kyats this year reportedly. 

The reason why the fee has increased is because commodity prices are higher and there is a labor shortage. Because of these difficulties, farmers were worried that they could not grow paddy in time. So, they started direct planting by scattering seeds on their farms, Ko Lwin Aye, a farmer from Paung Township, Mon State.

While seeing farmers who transplant paddy

" It is called 'scattering field' here in our region. In other words, it is called direct planting. Because of higher fees for transplanting paddy and labor shortage, many farmers have started planting directly. We have to plant paddy when the seeds are 30 days old. If we can't grow the paddy in time, we will face losses. So, many farmers have practiced a direct planting system by scattering seeds on farms. If we do so, we don't have to hire paddy transplanters. But the yield is not as sure as transplanting." he said.

Although planting paddy by scattering seeds could reduce the yield, it could reduce agricultural cost to an extent reportedly. The transplanting system could cost a farmer about 250,000 kyats per acre while direct planting, 3,000 to 4,000 kyats. U Maung Kyi, a farmer from Paung Township, Mon State, told CNI News.

While seeing a rice shop

" If we practice direct planting by scattering seeds, we have to pay for seeds only. It can cost us 35,000 to 40,000 kyats per acre. But if we practice the transplanting system, because of the higher fee for transplanting, it can cost us about 250,000 kyats." he said.

Paddy grown by scattering seeds cannot withstand the flood and biting by gold snails. So, money has to be spent for pesticides. Moreover, the yield is lower than transplanting. So, some farmers don't choose the direct planting system.

CNI Article News

26 June 2024

China has intensified efforts to promote Han culture and assimilation policies in Tibet even as former US Congress Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently met Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama as a member of a US Congressional delegation.

Irritated by the recent passage of the Resolve Tibet Act by the U.S. Senate and the legacy of the Dalai Lama, particularly the issue of his reincarnation, the Chinese government has expressed its intent to have full control, including the reincarnation process in Tibet. 

Available reports indicate that the Chinese government has been making efforts to assimilate Tibetan culture into the dominant Han culture.

Experts on Tibetan affairs said that China’s arrogant approach to education in Tibet has raised significant concerns regarding the forced assimilation of Tibetan children. 

Approximately one million Tibetan children have reportedly been separated from their families and placed into government-run boarding schools. 

Former member of the Tibetan parliament in exile, KhedroobThondup, said that the educational content in these schools is centered around the majority Han culture, with Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) as the medium of instruction. 

This system is seen as a large-scale program intended to assimilate Tibetans into Han culture. The focus on Mandarin Chinese and Han cultural norms has resulted in Tibetan children losing proficiency in their native language and, consequently, the ability to communicate effectively with their elders, contributing to the erosion of their Tibetan identity. 

The increase in boarding students is partly due to the closure of rural schools in Tibetan areas, replaced by township or county-level schools that primarily use Mandarin Chinese for teaching and communication, often requiring children to board. This forced assimilation is contrary to international human rights standards concerning education, linguistic and cultural rights, and freedom of religion or belief.

Religious repression is another form of China's attempt to assimilate Tibetan culture. The Chinese constitution states citizens ‘enjoy freedom of religious belief’, but limits protections to ‘normal religious activities’ without defining ‘normal’. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) promotes ‘Sinicization’ policies that aim to interpret religious ideas in accordance with CCP ideology and emphasize loyalty to the CCP and the state.

The demolition of the Fuyan Temple, a 1,000-year-old Tibetan Buddhist temple in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, is an example of how Chinese authorities have destroyed Tibetan religious sites outside the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). 

The arrests of writers, singers, and artists for promoting the Tibetan language and culture are also reported. 

Supporters of the Dalai Lama and other religious leaders could be arrested under the government’s anti-organized-crime program. The Chinese government has conducted a campaign of “reeducation” or “vocational training” in military-style camps for political indoctrination and to transform traditional farmers and herders into laborers in other industries.

Tibetans are not allowed to practice their own religion and maintain their cultural identity. 

Various human rights organizations and independent experts have expressed concern regarding the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity. 

China's efforts to assimilate Tibetans into Han culture are part of a broader campaign to create a single national identity centered on the Han majority and loyalty to the Communist Party. 

The CCP considers cultural assimilation essential for national unity and stability. 

Historically, China has sought to create a unified national identity.

The promotion of Han culture, which is the majority culture in China, is seen as a way to strengthen national unity and cohesion. 

This approach is rooted in the imperial legacy, where Tibet was considered part of Chinese empires at various points in history. 

The Xi government views the assimilation of Tibet as a continuation of this legacy, aiming to reinforce the perception of a cohesive and indivisible China.

Experts said that the aim of the Chinese government is to consolidate its control over Tibet through Han culture and encouraging assimilation. 

This strategy is seen as a way to mitigate separatist sentiments and potential challenges to Beijing's authority. 

The CCP seeks to bolster its legitimacy by demonstrating its ability to unify and integrate diverse regions and cultures within China. 

This is crucial for maintaining domestic support and stability.

Lastly, Tibet's strategic significance cannot be overstated. Sharing borders with several countries, including India, Nepal, and Bhutan, Tibet's stability is vital for China's geopolitical strategy. 

China wants to ensure that Tibet is firmly under Beijing's control because it is essential for regional security and influence. 

Additionally, integrating Tibet economically and culturally can facilitate smoother governance and align the region more closely with the central government's policies and initiatives.

These assimilation policies have faced significant criticism from international human rights organizations as they infringe on the cultural and religious freedoms of the Tibetan people. 

Experts on Tibetan affairs regret that the focus on Mandarin Chinese and Han cultural norms in education has led to Tibetan children losing proficiency in their native language, contributing to the erosion of their cultural identity. 

The closure of rural schools and the rise of government-run boarding schools using Mandarin as the primary language of instruction have further marginalized Tibetan cultural practices and traditions.

China's promotion of Han culture and assimilation policies in Tibet aims to create a unified national identity and strengthen central control by Beijing, but they have also led to significant resistance and international criticism. 

The forced assimilation of Tibetan children through the education system, religious repression, and cultural suppression highlight the severe impact on Tibetan society. 

The balance between these efforts and the response from the local populations will continue to shape the future of China's relationship with Tibet.

CNI News

26 June 2024

According to the government's policy, only half of the palm oil that is required for the country has been allowed to be imported reportedly. 

It was carried out like this in order to encourage oil mills producing edible oil within the country, to promote edible oil productivity and to reduce the use of foreign currency reportedly.

Because of the permission to import only half of the palm oil required for the country, there will be an imbalance between supply and demand. Moreover, the price of palm oil will go up and the people from the basic class will suffer higher prices, U Nay Win Soe, in charge of the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization (MYANTRADE), told CNI News.

" For example, when we need 70,000 tons of palm oil, only 35,000 tons are allowed to be imported. But we must import because we really need it. We have to look for dollars in some way. Or we have to grow other crops from which we have to earn dollars. As half of the palm oil that we need is allowed to import, demand cannot be met. So, the price will go up. Basic class will suffer higher prices." he said.

About 70,000 tons of palm oil is needed for the people within the country and about 30,000 tons only have been allowed to import. It was necessary to promote edible oil production within the country, rather than reducing import of palm oil and to upgrade domestic oil mills, an official from the Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association, told CNI News.

While seeing the plastic boxes of palm oil

"We must expand the cultivation of oil crops within the country and we must improve edible oil production. Reducing import of palm oil alone isn't sufficient. Moreover, oil mills must be upgraded so that the yield is better." he said.

The expansive cultivation of oil crop project is being currently implemented and preparations are being made to grow sunflower on 1.5 million acres of land reportedly.

Although preparations are being made to grow sunflowers in Ayeyarwady Region, as the region gets much rain, it wouldn't be successful, said U Nay Win Soe to CNI News.

" They are working with the plan of the regional government. Farmers are forced to grow sunflowers. But if you grow sunflowers, it won't be cost-effective. Ayeyarwady Region gets a lot of rain. So, sunflowers are grown there on a small scale. You won't be successful if you grow it on a large scale. Commercial cultivation of sunflowers is not appropriate with the climate and terrain of Ayeyarwady Region." he said.

Although palm oil is being sold at 5,400 kyats per viss, the reference price, as import of palm oil has been reduced by half, the palm oil has been scarce in the market and the people have to be waiting in line to buy some palm oil.

When you wait in line to buy some palm oil, you have to pay about 6,000 kyats per viss. However, if you buy palm oil at the retail shops in the ward, you have to pay 12,000 kyats per viss reportedly.