CNI News

11 September 2025

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) announced it will effectively take action against those who impersonate the SNA, send letters to the public, and threaten people to extort money, according to SNA Joint Secretary Colonel Se Wam Hpa.

In Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, a group of people have been distributing letters claiming to be from SNA Battalion (4). The group threatened residents to contact 09-68716756 and pay 300 lakh kyats between 4th and 6th September, said in the letters.

The SNA stated that such acts are carried out by enemies disguising themselves as SNA, intimidating the public, and deliberately tarnishing the SNA’s reputation. The SNA emphasized it does not want public fear and anxiety to spread.

Colonel Se Wam Hpa clarified that no SNA Battalion (4) exists in that area, and even the names being used were incorrect.

“Up to this moment, our Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) has never harmed or oppressed our own people. We are also not an organization that would ever cause suffering to the Union. What is happening now is an attempt to damage our national dignity by impersonating the SNA. We will strongly denounce and decisively crush both the individuals carrying this out and the organizations behind them.”, he said.

Currently, SNA Brigade 565 is active in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State.

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) is engaged in clashes in the Indawgyi region with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Kachin People’s Defense Force (KPDF) joint forces, as part of its efforts to defend areas inhabited by the Shanni people.

Fighting has also broken out between SNA and KIA-PDF joint forces in Sagaing Region, particularly in Banmauk, Hkamti, and Tamu townships, which border Kachin State.

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) was founded on July 5, 1989, and is currently organized into five brigades.

CNI News

10 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, spoke about how important Myanmar is for China.

He explained this on September 6, 2025, at the 2nd China-Myanmar Entrepreneurs Cooperation Promotion Meeting held in China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar, being a neighbor of the world’s most populous country China, India, and also densely populated Bangladesh, has many opportunities for trade.

He added that geographically, Myanmar is strategically located at the junction of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. It also sits at a crossroads of regional transport routes, and for China, Myanmar can provide a vital outlet to the Indian Ocean.

Therefore, Myanmar’s transport and infrastructure sectors hold significant potential for China, he noted.

He also said that among the 53 countries that have invested in Myanmar, China ranks second.

The trade value between China and Myanmar amounted to over USD 8 billion in the 2023–2024 fiscal year, and over USD 7.7 billion in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, he explained.

The Senior General stressed that trade between the two countries remains strong, and Myanmar is striving to produce more high-value-added products including timber based ones to supply both domestic and international markets. Hence, Myanmar wishes to further expand trade and investment.

“Our two countries are cooperating in areas such as economy, social affairs, border trade, infrastructure development, transport connectivity, and the operation of border gates, which are key sectors for bilateral trade.” said the commission chairman.

He urged cooperation to reopen border gates where trade has been suspended due to armed group attacks, so that trading activities can resume.

He added that with China’s assistance, Myanmar has been implementing development projects in education and healthcare for socio-economic growth, as well as in electricity, agriculture, industry, and transportation infrastructure. He also mentioned plans to enhance cooperation in technology.

Among China-Myanmar projects, the China-Myanmar railway project is particularly important, as it could bring significant benefits to cross-border trade, he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited China from August 30 to September 6, 2025, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During his trip, he met with President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Chinese and Myanmar entrepreneurs, and officials from Wuhan University. He also visited China’s space and AI technology institutions.

In addition, he held talks with other leaders including Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, Indonesian President Prabowo, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the President of Laos, the President of Kazakhstan, as well as the ASEAN Secretary-General.

He also attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, and the military parade marking the anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the Anti-Fascist Japanese War.

CNI News

10 September 2025

Various comments have arisen among military and political analysts over how important the Indawgyi region in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, is for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Shanni people.

Although the Indawgyi area is largely populated by Shanni people, it was previously under the control of the KIA. However, after the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) began its operations inside Kachin State, it broke into Indawgyi in July 2025 and clashes with the KIA occurred.

Afterwards, the SNA was able to control Indawgyi, Nanmun, and Mamongkaing villages. KIA–PDF forces have occasionally launched assaults in attempts to retake control of these areas.

According to Sai Htay Aung, chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), Indawgyi is an ethnically significant region for the Shanni people and commercially vital for the KIA, with KIA battalions encircling the area.

Indawgyi region

“Indawgyi region is important in terms of ethnicity. For our Shanni people, it can be called an ancestral homeland. Economically and militarily, it is also important—it is a trade route linking to Hpakant. Now, since the KIA controls Hpakant, the main supply of fuel to Hpakant flows through this route. Large machinery and fuel used for jade mining also pass through the Indawgyi and Wekha roads, as well as from the Sezin side. KIA Battalion 26 is stationed in Indawgyi. On the other side, Battalion 44 is there too. Around Indawgyi, KIA battalions are encircling. To the south near Maihtawng, Battalion 35 is there, and also Battalion 6 on the Hpakant road side. Many battalions surround Indawgyi. For them, it is extremely important. For our Shanni people as well, Indawgyi is our homeland. This place becomes militarily important because of its economic value.”, he said.

On August 16, the Arakan Army (AA), together with the KIA, attacked the SNA in Indawgyi, where Shanni populations reside, to regain control. According to locals, the next day, August 17, KIA troops withdrew.

U Thein Tun Oo, executive director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, explained that the KIA’s actions are part of territorial expansion to strengthen itself, and the significance of any territory depends on how it is used.

Kachin Independence Army (KIA)

“There can be many reasons. If we explain from history, it would be very long. The main point is simple: they want to expand territory. With greater territorial control, they become stronger. But behind this, there are also other reasons and motives. The main thing is—holding more land gives them advantages. From the KIA’s perspective, they will calculate how beneficial controlling the area would be. Whether a territory is important or not depends on how it can be utilized. That’s why importance differs depending on perspective.”, he said.

During the time when the KIA controlled Indawgyi, it was reported by locals that the KIA often raided Shanni households, recruited soldiers, and collected money. At Mamongkaing village, they granted businesspeople permission to mine gold at school grounds and a football field.

Currently, it is also reported that in Indawgyi, the KIA prohibits Shanni residents from speaking Shan language over the phone, forcing them to speak only Burmese.

CNI News

9 September 2025

Among the political parties planning to compete in Myanmar’s upcoming general election, those contesting nationwide may face more difficulties than parties contesting only within a single state or region, said Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP).

Parties competing only within one state or region are required to have 1,000 members and to open five party offices in five townships within that state or region. In contrast, parties that contest nationwide must have 50,000 members, establish 110 offices, and field candidates in more than half of all constituencies.

Although nationwide parties may face serious challenges, state- or region-based parties are unlikely to be heavily affected in this election, Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News.

“State/region-based parties must, according to the Political Parties Registration Law, recruit more than 1,000 members and open offices in five townships. If they fail to open five offices, their registration will be canceled under the law. However, if they field a candidate in just one constituency, they can avoid dissolution. That’s why state/region-based parties are unlikely to be much harmed in this election. Nationwide parties, on the other hand, face very serious difficulties. For example, they must have at least 100,000 members and open offices in 110 townships. If they fail to meet these requirements by December 6, they will face dissolution. Likewise, if they fail to field candidates in more than half of the 833 constituencies—over 400 seats—they could also be deregistered as a political party. These are the kinds of challenges they face.”, he said.

Dr. Aye Maung with political parties

According to the Political Parties Registration Law, parties must fulfill the required membership and party office criteria and submit proof to the Union Election Commission (UEC) by September 7, as announced by the UEC on August 20.

Under Section 12(a) of the Political Parties Registration Law, if a party is found unable to recruit the required number of members as set out in Section 5(c), or to open the required number of party offices as set out in Section 5(g), it may lose its right to continue existing as a political party.

Furthermore, Section 12(b) stipulates that if a party is found in violation of Section 12(a), the Commission must revoke its registration and dissolve the party.

Meanwhile, revolutionary forces and pro-democracy activists have announced that they will attempt to disrupt and prevent the December 28, 2025 election and will take strong action against those participating.

As a result, political parties and their candidates are worried about security and about whether people will not even come out to vote.

Political parties meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

Dr. Aye Maung told CNI News that, considering the inclusion of votes from internally displaced persons (IDPs), the election could still proceed, with reliance on security forces for protection.

“Especially in Manaung, Kyaukphyu, and Sittwe, where voting will take place simultaneously on December 28, stability can be maintained. In Rakhine, if the votes of IDPs now living in Yangon are counted together with those from the three constituencies outside of the 14 townships currently under AA administration, the election could be deemed complete. As a party, we believe for now that each of us must take responsibility for our own security—first personally, second for our organizations. After that, under the law, protection will depend on the security forces. That’s how we expect to get through this election.”, he said.

The Union Election Commission has announced that Phase 1 of Myanmar’s election will take place on December 28, 2025.

On July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing enacted the Election Security Law, which prescribes a minimum 10-year prison sentence up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty for anyone who disrupts, destroys, sabotages, or causes deaths related to the election.

CNI News

9 September 2025

The Chairman of the State Security and Tranquility Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said that U.S. multi-faceted pressure can be addressed through the five-point proposal put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He made the remarks at a press briefing with media representatives in Chengdu, China, on September 6, 2025.

“In the world today, we see that powerful nations are exerting dominance in many ways — politically, economically, educationally, religiously, and militarily. For China too, the U.S. is imposing hardships through tariffs and other pressures. Similarly, we are also under pressure. This is not only financial but also political pressure. Economically as well, there are many forms of pressure. President Xi Jinping’s five-point proposal identifies weaknesses that are occurring in the world and explains that we must work to correct them. Therefore, I want to say that countries should cooperate together.”, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianshan, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting with media in Chengdu

The five core principles of the GGI are:

Adhering to sovereign equality: This principle asserts that all countries, regardless of size, strength, or wealth, have an equal voice and role in global decision-making.

Abiding by international rule of law: The initiative calls for global governance to be guided by universally recognized norms and laws, rejecting selective interpretations or "double standards".

Practicing multilateralism: Emphasizing dialogue and cooperation, this principle stands in opposition to unilateralism and bloc-based confrontations.

Advocating the people-centered approach: The GGI promotes putting the well-being and sustainable development of people at the forefront of global priorities.

Focusing on taking real actions: This principle stresses the need for tangible outcomes and effective implementation rather than being bogged down by rhetoric.

Myanmar expressed support for President Xi Jinping’s proposal, and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also discussed Myanmar’s aspiration to be admitted as a member of the SCO at the summit.

While seeing President Xi Jinping's proposal

He said that current Myanmar-China relations are at their best stage, and that Myanmar guarantees investors will not face losses so that bilateral economic and investment relations can further strengthen.

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited China from August 30 to September 6, 2025, during which he attended and participated in discussions at the SCO Summit, as well as the Chinese people’s Victory over Japanese Fascism military parade ceremony.

In addition, he held talks with international leaders including President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as well as with Chinese and Myanmar business communities.

CNI News

9 September 2025

The Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), Colonel Khun Okkar, told CNI News that the Tatmadaw’s designation of ethnic armed organizations as “terrorist groups” and “unlawful associations” has become like a weapon that can be used whenever needed.

“Before the signing of the NCA, many groups were declared unlawful associations and terrorist organizations. But just days before the NCA was signed, those same groups were declared no longer unlawful, and no longer terrorist groups. Only after that did the peace talks and the NCA signing take place. That shows that when peace negotiations really happen and groups truly rejoin the process, the government offers relaxations. For example, even the AA (Arakan Army) was once removed from the terrorist list. But after about two years, when fighting resumed, they were redesignated as a terrorist group. So, declaring groups as terrorist or unlawful is not permanent—it’s like a tool they can use when needed. They can revoke it, or add new groups, depending on the situation.”, he said.

During the previous NLD government, under agreement with the Union government, the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee announced on March 23, 2020, that the Arakan Army (AA) was designated as a terrorist organization and unlawful association.

Northern Alliance leaders

After the political upheaval of 2021, when the Tatmadaw seized state power, it revoked the designation on March 11, 2021, removing the AA from the terrorist list.

Later, due to renewed conflict beginning in 2023 under “Operation 1027” and escalated fighting in Rakhine State, the Northern Alliance’s three groups—the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA)—were all redesignated as terrorist organizations on September 2, 2024.

Similarly, on August 28, 2025, the Karen National Union (KNU) was also declared a terrorist group and unlawful association.

Currently, four ethnic armed groups are designated as terrorist organizations. However, although the MNDAA handed back control of Lashio under China’s mediation, its designation as a terrorist group has not yet been revoked.

KNU leaders

Khun Okkar added that, at present, no group appears likely to have its terrorist designation lifted. He noted that the Tatmadaw’s stance will depend on how these groups respond to elections and the peace process:

“For now, it depends on how these four groups approach the coming election. In a heated election environment, will they cooperate or continue resisting? Before and after the election, peace processes could re-emerge in different ways. How the Tatmadaw responds will depend on those developments.”

Meanwhile, although the Kachin Independence Army/Organization (KIA/KIO) is severely waging battles against the Tatmadaw and has captured large areas of Kachin State, it has not yet been designated as a terrorist organization.

Some ethnic armed groups and revolutionary forces have already declared their opposition to the upcoming December 28, 2025, Election (Part 1). However, the KIA has only stated that it will not allow ballot boxes to be placed in its controlled areas.

CNI News

8 September 2025

The State Security and Peace Commission announced on September 6, 2025, that the Tatmadaw had regained control of the Kawkareik–Thingannyinaung–Myawaddy section of the Asian Highway, the main trade route between Thailand and Myanmar.

Starting on August 28, 2025, the Tatmadaw launched a military operation with four columns advancing from Kawkareik to Thingannyinaung and one column from Myawaddy to Thingannyinaung. By September 6, 2025, the Tatmadaw had successfully regained control of the Asian Highway.

According to the announcement, the Tatmadaw’s recapture of the Kawkareik–Thingannyinaung–Myawaddy Asian Highway has thwarted the Karen National Union’s (KNU) dream of seizing Kawkareik, Myawaddy, and Hpa-an, and establishing a separate independent Kawthoolei state and government.

In cooperation with People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), the KNU had previously seized Tatmadaw camps and headquarters in the Thingannyinaung and Myawaddy areas between March 7 and April 28, 2024.

To regain control of the highway, the Tatmadaw launched Operation Aung Zeya, and after more than a year of fighting, has now reclaimed the Asian Highway.

During this campaign, a total of 382 clashes—both large and small—took place between the Tatmadaw and the joint KNU-PDF forces. The Tatmadaw also reported seizing 57 assorted weapons and related equipment.

The KNU-PDF’s prior control of the Myawaddy–Thingannyinaung–Kawkareik Asian Highway had disrupted Myanmar–Thailand border trade, causing significant price hikes for the public.

CNI News

7 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, visited nuclear and space technology departments in Harbin, China, according to an announcement from Nay Pyi Taw.

On September 4, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT).

At the institute, he observed exhibitions showcasing China’s successful testing and development of nuclear bombs and hydrogen bombs for national defense. He also studied achievements in space exploration, missile production, rocket and satellite research, and other technological advancements.

Furthermore, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing discussed possible cooperation between Myanmar and the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) in the field of space-related technologies.

Afterward, he visited Harbin Electric Corporation, where he studied hydropower generation, wind power generation, solar power generation, and nuclear power generation projects. He also observed the production of generators and related equipment for coal-fired power plants, the development of green energy, and electronic manufacturing industries.

In addition, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held discussions on the possibility of cooperation in hydropower projects in Myanmar.

He also observed the use of AI technology in the factory for the production of machinery and equipment.

CNI News

6 September 2025

The National Democratic Force (NDF) and other political parties are facing difficulties in finding enough candidates to meet the required number to contest in the elections, and are also struggling to submit the candidate lists to the Union Election Commission (UEC) within the deadline, said NDF Joint Chairman U Htet Aung Kyaw.

According to the Political Parties Registration Law, political parties must fulfill the required number of members and party offices, and must submit their compliance to the UEC by the deadline of September 7, as announced by the commission on August 20.

The UEC has announced that the first phase of the general election in Myanmar will be held on December 28, 2025.

Currently, the main challenge for all parties is the submission of candidate lists. Due to the limited timeframe given for submission, it has been difficult to meet the required number of candidates and to conduct thorough scrutiny, U Htet Aung Kyaw of the NDF told CNI News.

 Members of the NDF

"Election campaigns will come later. Right now, what all parties are facing is the issue of candidate lists. Not much time was given to submit them. Each party is required to contest at least three constituencies. If a party is competing nationwide, it must contest in at least half of all constituencies. But even though half the constituencies are required, only about 10 days were given for submission. Why is the time frame so restricted? What is the intention behind such a limitation? That’s something worth questioning.", he said.

The UEC has announced that candidate list applications will be scrutinized between September 18 and October 4.

Although their party is able to meet the required number of candidates, U Htet Aung Kyaw explained that the short time frame makes it difficult to properly check and submit the lists, and it feels as though the process has been made deliberately difficult.

 Political parties

"Mainly, requirements such as party offices will be fulfilled. We are confident we can meet and even exceed the required number of candidates. But there are other restrictions. For example, in the past, a person from Puta-O could contest in Kawthaung without issue. Now that’s no longer allowed. These are tight restrictions. Some may have good intentions, but overall it feels like it’s deliberately made difficult. For us, we established our party to work for our country, and that’s why we contest the elections. It is difficult, but under the law we must meet the candidate requirements. If not, then how the authorities will have to decide how to take action?.”, he added.

Under Article 12(a) of the Political Parties Registration Law, if a party fails to mobilize the required number of members or open the required number of offices as set out in Article 5 subsections (c) and (g), it will lose its right to continue as a political party.

Article 12(b) further states that the commission must revoke the registration of any party found to be in breach of Article 12(a) and dissolve that party.

At present, political parties in Myanmar planning to contest the election are facing challenges such as: Difficulty in finding enough candidates, Difficulty in fulfilling office requirement, Financial hardships, Security concerns.