CNI News

3 July 2025

It would be better to approve the demands of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in Hluttaw only after informal discussions and consensus is reached, military and political analysts told CNI News. 

If the discussion was held in Hluttaw without such informal discussions, it could take ten years, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News.

"What is said in the parliament is what is said officially. If it is resolved in this manner within the Hluttaw, it will take a long time. It could take ten years.  When we had our peace talks, if a problem arose, we would stop all the meetings and meet informally several times. After many arguments would find a solution. When we found a solution, we would meet again and confirm it. A problem should be discussed outside first. It is best to discuss it informally outside and then go to Hluttaw and approve it. This is the shortest way. To make it even shorter, if the commander in chief or the opposition says, 'We have laid down our arms,' it will be over," he said.

While seeing the Hluttaw

After elections were held and Hluttaw emerged, while walking on the path of democracy, demanding what ones want, arming weapons and carrying out what they want with a great spirit of putting their people and region first was contrary to democracy, said the SAC Chairman in his opening speech at the Peace Forum 2025 on June 25, 2025.

He said that the armed groups would have to discuss and approve their demands in the respective parliaments. 

According to the usual practice, approval by the Hluttaw is the final step, and there are many negotiations and compromises before it reaches the Hluttaw, Yangon Watch founder Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin told CNI News.

While seeing some armed leaders and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

"Before a proposal reaches the Hluttaw, the relevant organizations have to negotiate and compromise in advance. There needs to be a process for discussions, negotiations, consultations, and compromises among these relevant organizations, led by the Peace Media Group and the NSPNC formed by the government, and then submitted to the parliament. This process needs to be coordinated by the NSPNC and independent peace advocates to create a reconciliation pack. That process needs to be done now. After that, all of those processes have been negotiated and agreed upon, then it needs to be submitted to the Hluttaw for approval," she said.

The Peace Forum-2025 discussed the formation of a non-governmental peace mediation group to enable armed groups involved in the fighting on the ground to participate in peace talks to resolve the current political situation in Myanmar.

However, the armed forces involved in the fighting on the ground are still unlikely to participate in peace talks because their slogan  "there is no discussion for blood debt" is still prevalent, military and political analysts consider.

CNI News

2 July 2025

 Myanmar-style democracy could mean a democracy that is based on traditional cultures and that is appropriate for the country's circumstances, the Karen People's Party Chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo told CNI News.

In Myanmar, Myanmar style democracy must be implemented because it must be consistent with the Myanmar condition, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the Peace Forum held on June 25, 2025.

During the era of U Ne Win's rule, socialism was pursued in a Myanmar way, called the Burma Socialist Programme Party, and now, democracy might be considered to implement in a way that goes well with traditional cultures within the country, said the Karen People's Party Chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo.

“The Myanmar style  has socialism and democracy, but socialism also has some forms of democracy, and then there are capitalism and communism. Democratic governments use democracy to the full. The socialist programme that suits the country's conditions is to take the example of neighboring countries and imitate them. Own style democracy is the one that goes well with the country's situation, characteristics, and culture. That democracy will be used in the Myanmar style means that there are ethnic groups and traditional cultures in Myanmar. We will go for democracy based on those things. Myanmar will stand on its own. If others want to help, let them help. So, Myanmar style is not bad, it is good,” she said.

While the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was delivering a speech at the Peace Forum

Some people hate to hear the term “Myanmar style” and according to Myanmar’s history, it must be overcome like that, Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News. 

"We need to learn lessons from history. The Bamar were ruled by the monarchy, and some of the ethnic people had their own kings and queens. There are different interpretations of history. How was Myanmar born and how will it continue to unite and become a prosperous nation? How can we resolve and overcome the current conflict crisis? Is it possible without using the Myanmar style? Is the Myanmar conflict similar to the conflicts in other countries that have been resolved? There are many things to consider. So, what kind of system will Myanmar have going forward? How will we build a new nation that is stable and prosperous? We need to take the time to discuss these issues with everyone. Some people will hate to hear the phrase "Myanmar style." Because Ne Win's Burma Socialist Programme Party was also used as a form of socialism in the Myanmar style and it did not succeed. Therefore, they will make fun of the Myanmar style. We also believe that the Myanmar problem must be overcome in the Myanmar way in accordance with the history of Myanmar," he said.

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

Myanmar was governed by Myanmar-style socialism from 1962 to 1988, when U Ne Win ruled the country. 

Then, after winning the 2010 general election, when U Thein Sein came to power, peace talks between the government, parliament, military, and ethnic armed groups continued, and the solution to the system that would govern Myanmar is still being sought today.

Currently, there are divided groups, some calling for the establishment of a federal democratic union and others calling for the establishment of a democratic federal union. 

However, the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) has agreed to establish a union system based on democracy and federalism.

CNI News

1 July 2025

Ta’ang (Palaung) people lost everything due to their lack of political awareness in the past, said Lieutenant General Tar Jock Ja, Vice Chairman (1) of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). 

He made the remarks during the TNLA's political science course batch (1) graduation and diploma awarding ceremony on June 25, 2025.

“As Ta’ang Palaung people, we have lost everything due to our lack of political awareness in the past, so it is time for us to be courageous in our current political era. I want the PSLF/TNLA youth who have just graduated from the School of Political Science to be outstanding." he said.

It was necessary for young people to participate in various revolutionary activities, not only in Ta’ang State but also in the whole of Myanmar, and to work to achieve the revolutionary goal as soon as possible by carrying out public service activities, said Major General Tar Bone Kyaw, general secretary of the TNLA. 

The school of political science was launched in August, 2022 and attended by 15 male students and 20 female students, reported the TNLA/PSLF on June 30, 2025.

In alliance with the National Unity Government (NUG), the People's Defense Forces (PDF), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Arakan Army (AA) in the Spring Revolution,   the TNLA is fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw to overthrow the Myanmar military and the SAC. 

During Operation 1027, which began on October 27, 2023, in collaboration with the MNDAA and the AA, the TNLA attacked and captured the townships of Namkham, Nansang, Man Tong, Mong Ngor, Namtu, Kyaukme, Naung Cho, Kutkhai, Thibaw, Mabein and Momeik in northern Shan State as well as Mogok in Mandalay Region.

Then, the TNLA and the Myanmar Tatmadaw held two-day talks in Kunming, China from February 16 to 17, 2025 to end the fighting, and met again in August 2025, but no agreement was reached.

CNI News

1 July 2025

 They discussed the formation of a non-governmental peace mediation group for peace in the Myanmar political landscape at the Peace Forum 2025, which was held from June 25 to 27, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News. 

The government's invitation to various ethnic armed organizations for peace in Myanmar is unlikely to succeed, so they discussed and recommended the formation of such a peace mediation group, she said.

“The truth is that the government has been calling for peace for a long time. But there is little trust in the government right now. So the actual situation on the ground is not yet a complete cessation of fighting. It is true that the government has to officially invite EAOs to peace because it is a time when trust in the government is low. But to implement this invitation on the ground, and to really convince stakeholders to join in, we need experts in this field and ethnic leaders. Including the Bamar and military officers, who have worked tirelessly throughout the peace process. If these people could look at the country's interests and go to the places where ethnic leaders are and hold meetings, I think it would be more practical and beneficial than what the government is currently inviting," she said.

While the Peace Forum was being held

Despite the calls for political solutions to the political problems of the armed forces involved in the fighting on the ground, they have not been included in the SAC peace talks as no action has been taken to involve them. 

Military and political observers point out that while the SAC is currently making positive invitations and offers to ethnic armed groups that have not signed the NCA, there has been no effort to approach them. So, these ethnic armed groups also need a mediation team to participate in the peace talks, Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of the Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News.

Although they had expressed support for the formation of a peace mediation group, it was not yet known whether it would actually be implemented, she said.

While the Peace Forum was being held

 " Whatever business we do, we always entrust it to companies that are experts in that business. That's why it's like this. We discussed and pointed out the need for a peace advocacy group consisting of individuals who have over a decade of experience in peace. I don't know yet whether it will actually become a reality or not," she said.

The Peace Forum 2025, organized by the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) of the SAC, was attended by some ethnic armed organizations that have signed the NCA, political parties, individuals from the UMFCCI, and individuals from other fields. 

During the three-day discussion, more than 100 issues were presented, including the review of the 2008 Constitution, the holding of elections, and the cessation of calling up into the military service during election periods.

CNI News

1 July 2025

While the SAC can hold talks with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), it is unlikely to do so with the National Unity Government (NUG), said military and political analysts. 

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing invited armed resistance forces to meet face-to-face and discuss peace at the Peace Forum held from June 25 to 27, 2025.

He said that since stability and peace were essential to democracy, it was necessary to meet face to face and exchange views honestly and openly. While SAC might meet with EAOs for talks, it was unlikely that it would meet with NUG, a political analyst told CNI News.

While seeing delegates from the UWSA, the NDAA and the SSPP

“The NUG becomes strong because of EAOs and EAOs become strong. The main source are EAOs. The issue with EAOs are clear, itheir territorial demarkation is clear. What will be clear with NUG? The SAC has said that it will hold a general election. But the NUG has demanded that the Tatmadaw must not participate in politics. At the upcoming landscape, what requires amending the Constitution, is not something that can be done without making a change. The SAC, which  has maintained the current constitutional principles, will continue in its form. Here, the SAC has a problem with the NUG. It's getting difficult. Territory can't be designated for the NUG." he said.

While seeing leaders and delegates who attended the peace forum

Military and political observers point out that ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) are not those who want to go to democracy, but rather to federal democracy, and that democracy cannot be demanded in the territories of EAOs.

 If peace is truly desired, all armed groups should be allowed to come to peace talks, and peace cannot be achieved if only one armed group remains, so any group that wants peace should be invited without discrimination, pointed out military and political observers.

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.