CNI News 

June 18, 2027 

The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) met for talks on June 12, 2026, at the Shwe San Eain Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw.

According to a statement released by the SSPP on June 17, 2026, the SSPP presented 7 points for discussion, while the NSPNC put forward 6 points during the meeting.

The SSPP emphasized that political issues should be resolved through political means rather than military force. They stated that they are working towards the emergence of a Union based on democracy and a federal system that guarantees equality and self-determination. They noted that lessons should be learned from past incidents that damaged mutual trust to prevent them from recurring, and asserted that any future disputes between the two militaries would be resolved peacefully through negotiation.

Additionally, the SSPP discussed the following points: Current Military Situation: There are currently no clashes or intentional attacks between their forces and the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Military).

Law Enforcement Collaboration: The SSPP is cooperating with the government to combat online scams (cyber fraud) and drug trafficking within its controlled territories.

Regional Development: To improve necessary regional infrastructure and connectivity, they requested the laying of asphalt roads.

Education Sector Support: They called for an increase in the construction of school buildings, the provision of textbooks, and the appointment of more teaching staff.

 The delegation of the SSPP.

Resource Access: They requested permission for the timely transportation of fuel supplies needed by local civilians within SSPP-controlled areas.

In response, the NSPNC discussed and countered with the following points: Development Assistance: They instructed the SSPP to compile detailed lists and statistics regarding local development needs and submit them to the NSPNC, which will then coordinate and present them to the relevant authorities. Security Cooperation: They stressed the need for the SSPP to cooperate closely and seriously with local government officials to combat online scams and drug trafficking.

Peace Building: They highlighted the necessity of collaborating for regional stability and development to move forward to the next level of building a sustainable, long-term peace.

Maintaining Stability: To preserve the stability of current peace outcomes, both sides must exercise restraint to ensure there is no involvement or alliance with other armed groups that could undermine regional peace.

Agreement Adherence: Both sides agreed to respect, recognize, and jointly implement existing state-level and union-level bilateral agreements.

The delegation of the NSPNC.

Next Meeting: The next round of talks is tentatively scheduled to be held in Nay Pyi Taw during the last week of July 2026.

The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) is an ethnic armed organization (EAO) that has not signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

Currently, the SSPP/SSA is a member of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), which includes the United Wa State Army (UWSA), National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Arakha Army (AA), and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

Furthermore, there are allegations that the SSPP has sold arms and ammunition to some armed forces fighting against the Myanmar Military in the Spring Revolution that emerged after February 1, 2021.

CNI News 

June 18, 2026

The leadership meeting of the 7 EAO Alliance, formed by seven ethnic armed organizations that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), was held on June 18, 2026.

According to a statement released by the 7 EAO Alliance, the meeting focused on reviewing current political and military situations. Additionally, they reviewed and discussed the report submitted by the 7 EAO negotiation team regarding the peace talks held between the 7 EAO Alliance and the NSPNC (National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee) on June 9 and 10, 2026.

The statement also noted that necessary guidelines were established and responsibilities were assigned for the upcoming joint peace process review talks to be held between the 7 EAO Alliance and the NSPNC in the near future.

The meeting was attended by Leader General Yawd Serk, Deputy Leader Nai Aung Min, members of the leading group, secretariat members, coordinators of working committees, and specially invited guests.

CNI News

June 18, 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing, who is currently visiting Shanghai, China, toured the Shanghai Lingang Special Area on June 18, 2026.

The Lingang Special Area is an economic and industrial development zone being developed by China with the aim of enhancing global connectivity. It aspires to establish a higher-level open economy and an international-standard business environment.

CNI News

June 18, 2026

Economic and political analysts point out that Myanmar-China border trade gates could reopen due to Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s trip to China.

It is observed that the current delegation to China includes the chief ministers of Kachin and Shan states—which border China—along with the minister of economy, bankers, and business associations.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President U Min Aung Hlaing is visiting China from June 15 to 19, 2026.

U Htay Aung Kyi, an economic and banking expert, told CNI News that rather than the Kachin border trade, the northern Shan border trade—where the Kokang group (MNDAA) and Ta'ang group (TNLA) operate under Chinese influence—could reopen as a result of President U Min Aung Hlaing's trip to China.

"In border trade with China, northern Shan State is the main hub, though Kachin State is also important. That is why the chief ministers of Kachin and Shan states are included in this trip. When it comes to trading, Kachin primarily has rare earths and such. Leaving rare earths aside, talking about those matters is quite broad. For regular, ordinary trade, northern Shan State is crucial. To be honest, since northern Shan State houses organizations that are under Chinese influence, this trade route will likely open up," he said.

The signing ceremony of 18 Memorandums of Understanding between China and Myanmar.

He further pointed out that due to high basic labor wages in China's manufacturing sectors, an environment could emerge where China comes to invest in Myanmar, where labor costs are lower.

Similarly, because business-related figures are included in this trip, it could lead to the resumption of not only border trade but also investments, project matters agreed upon during previous administrations, and currently suspended projects. Myanmar needs to work on establishing a good peace and economic environment.

Regarding President U Min Aung Hlaing's visit to China, political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that while peace might be the main focus, a large number of economic agreements could be achieved.

"Since other things can only proceed once there is peace, I view that they will focus primarily on discussing peace. As soon as peace is achieved, the major border trade routes will reopen. Following that, there are China-backed projects, specifically those related to the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative). There are projects signed during previous administrations. We have to see what else will come up to implement such projects further. China is Myanmar's trading partner; it is the main trading partner in both general and border trade. Furthermore, China is also the primary investor in Myanmar. That is why all the key figures are included in this trip. Therefore, I anticipate that many economy-related agreements could be signed during this visit," he said.

Indian Prime Minister Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing seen together.

Currently, China-Myanmar border trade is closed due to armed conflict. Because there is no official trade, local residents in northern Shan State are facing difficulties in the flow of goods.

A businessman from northern Shan State told CNI News that if discussions during President U Min Aung Hlaing's current trip to China cover the opening of the Myanmar-China border trade in northern Shan State and enabling the flow of goods via the Union Highway, and if successful, it will bring economic opportunities and development to the country.

"As for us in northern Shan State, our roads are currently blocked. We analyze that if they discuss and successfully negotiate with China regarding the flow of goods via the Union Highway, the economy will develop for our country," he said.

During his visit to China, President U Min Aung Hlaing met for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well as Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, signing 18 bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

On the other hand, President U Min Aung Hlaing also visited India from May 30 to June 3, 2026, where he held discussions with Indian Prime Minister Modi, the Indian President, the Indian National Security Advisor, and the Indian Minister of External Affairs.

CNI News

June 18, 2026

Economic, military, and political analysts are questioning which force holds the key to resuming the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, a bilateral agreement between India and Myanmar that is currently halted.

The agreement for the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project was signed between India and Myanmar in 2008, and implementation activities began in September 2010.

Currently, the project is at a standstill due to intense clashes taking place in Rakhine State and Chin State between the Myanmar military and the AA-CNF-PDF coalition.

Economic analyst U Htay Aung Kyi told CNI News that foreign investments and projects in Myanmar involve political and military perspectives alongside the economic aspect, and it remains to be seen how cleverly Myanmar will navigate between China and India.

"At the moment, the AA practically controls the territory—that is the realpolitik of it. Another thing is that we have to think about this in connection with the positions of China and India. We cannot just look at it from a local perspective. Regarding the Kaladan basin project, India claims it is purely for their economy. Indeed, it is reasonably beneficial for the economy. However, we also have to see how China views it. We must consider that our situation has reached a very sensitive stage. It is hard to say what China's perspective is on the Kaladan River basin project. That is a factor that must be factored in. People will also consider whether there are underlying security issues. High-level politics means taking all of these into account. It is not just an economic view; it involves political, military, and security perspectives on all fronts. China will wonder whether the Kaladan project is strictly economic for India or if there are other hidden motives behind it. They will definitely think about it; the only difference is whether they analyze it a little or a lot. To put it briefly, what will China's stance on the Kaladan basin project be? We will have to watch how cleverly Myanmar manages its relationships between China and India," he said.

Two leaders of the AA seen together.

Military and political analysts assess that the stances of China and India toward Myanmar are based on their own national interests, geopolitical competition, and border stability.

Rakhine State offers access to the sea and hosts China's Kyaukphyu Deep Sea Port project, India's Kaladan River project, and border trade with Bangladesh.

Analysts point out that even if India and China do not officially recognize the Arakan Army (AA), they will have to engage in discussions because the AA currently holds de facto sovereignty over Rakhine State.

However, political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that the government is more likely to launch an all-out offensive against the AA to implement the India-Myanmar bilateral Kaladan project.

> "First of all, there is no need for the AA to be involved because there is no trust in them. This situation came about because the Indian side assumes that the flame of the AA will only last a brief moment. India does not talk to anyone who does not hold official sovereignty. Furthermore, as India firmly believes that the AA will never be able to successfully establish an Arakan State in Rakhine, they continue to work only with the Union Government—that much is certain. There can be no compromise with the AA. Making peace with an organization that might create trouble unpredictably despite being given benefits from this project would only be temporary; it will not last forever. Military supporters and Myanmar nationalists will not accept this either. The military will launch an all-out offensive to reclaim these areas. The AA is claiming Paletwa as its territory as well. Therefore, India will wait until the current Myanmar government can fully control this entire route," he said.

The Indian government maintains a stance that it wishes to complete the implementation of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Project, which passes through Rakhine State and Chin State (Paletwa), by the end of 2027.

Indian Prime Minister Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing seen during their discussion.

During a meeting between Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India, on June 1, 2026, they discussed the implementation of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Project, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project, and the suppression of insurgents within both countries.

Given the current landscape, Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai-Lai (Red Shan) National Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that it is impossible to proceed with the Kaladan River project without involving the AA.

"Under the current circumstances, it is impossible without the AA's involvement. However, the AA is an armed organization revolting against the state. In truth, if we are talking about Government-to-Government (G-to-G) operations, the state government should implement what has been discussed between the central governments of India and Myanmar. I am talking about how it should be during a period of peace. Now that armed organizations are dominant, I think a lot will depend on how the policies of India and Myanmar view the AA. As for the government, the responsibility for the whole of Myanmar lies solely with the central government. If concessions and opportunities are granted to an armed organization that is revolting, the central government will have to give the same to all others who take up arms and revolt in other states in the future. If that happens, the situation for the country will not be very good," he said.

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project includes the expansion of Sittwe Port, dredging the Kaladan River to allow international vessels to navigate, and constructing a highway from Paletwa in Chin State to Mizoram State in India.

CNI News

June 18, 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing attended the Myanmar-China Investment and Trade Networking Summit 2026 (MCITP / Shanghai) held in Shanghai, China.

Subsequently, President U Min Aung Hlaing attended and officially opened the MCITP summit ceremony on June 18, 2026.

President U Min Aung Hlaing is paying a visit to China from June 15 to 19, 2026, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During the visit, he held separate bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, followed by the signing of 18 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries.

CNI News

June 18, 2026

Military and political analysts are closely watching whether the discussion and meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing can bring about progress in Myanmar's peace process.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing is visiting China from June 15 to 19, 2026.

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for talks on the morning of June 16, 2026, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where they signed 18 bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an analyst on China-Myanmar affairs, told CNI News that the context of Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to China could officially facilitate peace talks and lead to further ceasefire processes.

"China is pushing very hard for Burma to achieve peace and ceasefires. I just don't know how much (U) Min Aung Hlaing and his side can concede. I don't think intense military operations will break out right after this visit to China. China keeps urging (U) Min Aung Hlaing to negotiate with the groups along the border. They are urging the border groups as well. They will definitely urge (U) Min Aung Hlaing too; whether he listens or not is another matter. He is in China for a 5-day visit. I think things will settle down temporarily when he returns. Actually, negotiations with the Kokang (MNDAA) have already been done, and the Kokang has returned to the military what it ought to return. The TNLA has also given the military what it needs to give. The main pressure needs to be put on the military itself. China seems to have spoken firmly to those ethnic groups on its border. That is why the fighting has gone quiet. However, I think China will push forcefully to make this peace official and to bring everyone to the negotiation table. Therefore, it is highly likely that during this period, they might call meetings—like ceasefire meetings," she said.

The signing ceremony of Memorandums of Understanding between Myanmar and China.

Since 2021, the Chinese government has seen its influence grow over both the government and armed organizations in Myanmar, successfully getting both sides to halt fighting and hand back certain territories.

Geopolitically and economically, China stands in the most critical position as Myanmar's primary neighbor. The Chinese government is striving to implement major projects within Myanmar, placing particular emphasis on border stability and the resumption of border trade.

Daw Saw Mra Raza Lin, Chairwoman of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), told CNI News that the Myanmar government is initiating approaches to its two powerful neighbors first, possibly using China as a stepping stone to restore relations with the international community and diplomacy.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing seen together.

"In this trip to China, as many as 18 memorandums and agreements were signed. I think they will look heavily into mutual interests. I believe diplomatic matters will be involved. Politically, it could also be a maneuver to approach the United Nations. While the military is launching offensives during its first 100 days, there is also a side to it that is moving towards peace talks. To achieve peace in Myanmar within 5 years, the state, as a government, has matters it must discuss by approaching neighboring countries. This is because almost all countries sharing borders with Myanmar house people who are revolting against the Myanmar government. The Myanmar government is making its initial approach to the two closest, powerful nations," she said.

China remains one of the largest investors in Myanmar, undertaking numerous infrastructure projects, including natural gas pipelines.

Political analysts point out that China is paying special attention to and monitoring issues such as the cessation of fighting along the Myanmar-China border, including Shan State, regional stability, and border trade.

CNI News

June 18, 2026

Military and political analysts are sharing their assessments on how Myanmar can navigate its path back to ASEAN through the context of Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

ASEAN has not expelled Myanmar from its membership. However, due to the political developments that unfolded after 2021, Myanmar's political representation in high-level summits has been restricted.

Furthermore, analysts point out that China is not only ASEAN’s neighbor but also the most powerful nation in the region in terms of economy, diplomacy, and security. Consequently, most ASEAN countries are in a position where they cannot afford to avoid economic dependence on China.

Therefore, a political analyst told CNI News Agency that Myanmar is approaching China because it wants Myanmar to fully reintegrate with ASEAN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing.

He said, "It’s not that Myanmar is abandoning ASEAN. China is taking the lead in bringing Myanmar and ASEAN together. On another note, even if he (U Min Aung Hlaing) wanted to attend, no ASEAN country would invite him on their own accord. That is why China is the one exerting push and pressure from one side to make the integration with ASEAN happen. U Min Aung Hlaing is approaching China because he wants to reintegrate with ASEAN. In reality, his primary step was to go to China first. China is trying to make sure Myanmar can participate back in ASEAN and that ASEAN accepts them."

Following U Min Aung Hlaing taking office as president, within just a few months—and despite previous moves by ASEAN nations to exclude Myanmar—the foreign ministers of Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, and Indonesia visited Nay Pyi Taw for discussions.

Military and political analysts point out that this landscape suggests a potential shift in ASEAN’s approach to the Myanmar crisis. They also highlighted that the changing approaches of powerful neighboring countries like China and India toward Myanmar are affecting ASEAN’s own stance.

Currently, President U Min Aung Hlaing appears to have formulated a strategic plan, and it seems he might have even set ASEAN aside for the moment, while only a few ASEAN member states remain opposed to Myanmar, according to U Nyo Ohn Myint, an advisor to the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank, who spoke to CNI News.

The Lao Foreign Minister and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing.

He stated, "Although the opposition says there is nothing to discuss amidst blood feuds, we are currently seeing them employ defensive retreats rather than holding defensive lines. Following the election, the President seems to be thinking strategically. In my view, I think he has even set ASEAN aside. That is just my personal opinion."

Right after U Min Aung Hlaing assumed office as president, he visited the two powerful neighboring countries, India and China, and held discussions with their respective leaders.

On the other hand, to seek a solution to the Myanmar issue, the ASEAN Alternate Chair and Philippine Foreign Minister has stated that they will meet and discuss with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). Similarly, the Malaysian Foreign Minister has called for extending the peace invitation beyond 100 days.

Likewise, the Indonesian Foreign Minister has also expressed commitment to helping Myanmar achieve peace.

CNI News

June 17, 2026

It has been reported that Members of Parliament (MPs) representing political parties must notify the Union Election Commission (UEC) regarding any meetings with foreign organizations.

On August 11, 2022, the UEC sent a letter instructing registered political parties in Myanmar that they must notify the Commission if they intend to meet with foreign organizations. Following this, on June 11, 2026, a directive was issued stating that MPs must also notify the UEC if they are to meet with foreign organizations.

U Kyaw Min Htet, a Yangon Region MP from the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), told CNI News that while it is standard practice for MPs to report meetings with foreign organizations and diplomats, requiring them to report meetings with individuals feels like a restriction on the personal freedom of MPs.

He said, "When the statement was issued, notifying the UEC about meeting foreign organizations and diplomats wasn't the issue. However, when it includes meeting with 'foreign individuals,' it infringes upon our personal freedom. They (the authorities) probably fear that MPs might coordinate with or receive support from people belonging to countries they are not on good terms with. But on the other hand, this is a time when we have to engage in international business, and some MPs used to be business owners. A question worth asking is whether business-oriented MPs must also report their routine meetings with foreigners regarding business matters. The definition of 'foreign individuals' is a bit too harsh."

The issued directive instructing MPs to notify authorities when meeting foreign organizations.

U Kyaw Min Htet further stated that restricting MPs from freely meeting foreign organizations is inappropriate for a country aiming to build democracy.

"Notifying ahead of meetings with international diplomats and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) isn't much of a problem, but having to report meetings with foreign individuals feels a bit too restrictive. Just reporting it isn't an issue. But if it leads to situations where permission is denied, it will become a major problem. If it is just about reporting and then going ahead with the meeting, that is fine. But if denials happen after an MP submits a report, the question will arise whether this should be happening in a democratic country," he said.

Other MPs also pointed out that if one-on-one personal meetings must be reported to the UEC, it could restrict the mandate of MPs and negatively impact personal privacy. Consequently, members of the public have noted that instead of debating and presenting public interests, MPs now find themselves in a position where they must first struggle to secure their own basic freedoms.

U Kyi Linn Htet, a Pyithu Hluttaw (Amyotha Hluttaw/National Assembly) MP from the People's Party (PP), told CNI News that subsection (3) of the directive—which states that MPs meeting with foreign organizations must send a copy to the respective Hluttaw (Parliament) office and the UEC—is ambiguous.

A meeting between the Union Election Commission and political parties.

He explained, "There is something to be said about the phrasing used in subsection (3). It states: 'Regarding matters of MPs meeting with foreign organizations, the meeting MPs shall submit and proceed through the respective Hluttaw office.' This part is completely normal. However, it adds: 'It is informed to send a copy to the Union Election Commission.' I think this is a bit unusual. If you look at subsection (2), it is clear. The directive is addressed to all political parties, not directly to the MPs. It is normal for the Election Commission to issue directives to political parties. They have the authority to issue orders and directives under Section 26 of the law. While subsection (2) is clear, the phrasing in subsection (3) that says 'informed to send a copy to the Union Election Commission' feels a bit strange. It doesn’t seem to align well with the main intent."

U Kyi Linn Htet added that normally, the parliament is directly guided by the Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw, the Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw, or the Speaker of the Union Hluttaw. He suggested that it would be smoother if the UEC requested copies from the political parties themselves or coordinated directly with the Hluttaw office.

Political analysts pointed out that given the current political climate in Myanmar, this directive might have been issued out of necessity due to concerns over foreign interference in the country's affairs.

On the other hand, military and political analysts highlighted a contradiction: while the government and the military have been urging Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) to form political parties, contest elections, and pursue their demands through parliament, they are simultaneously dissolving political parties and tightening restrictions on MPs and political parties regarding meetings with foreign diplomats and organizations. They warned that this approach could negatively impact the peace process.