CNI News 

June 17, 2026

Chinese Premier Mr. Li Qiang stated that he believes Myanmar will become more united and developed under the leadership of President U Min Aung Hlaing.

The Chinese Premier made this remark during a meeting with Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on June 16, 2026.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said, “China always stands by and supports Myanmar, and we believe that Myanmar will become more united and developed under Your Excellency's leadership. I would like to exchange views on deepening bilateral relations, ensuring long-lasting friendship, and promoting regional stability, peace, and prosperity.”

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing responded that he believes today’s discussion will enhance cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors, including trade, investment, science and technology, and people-to-people friendship.

Photo showing the meeting and discussion between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing.

President U Min Aung Hlaing added, “At a time when China is implementing its 15th Five-Year Plan, our new government is also making accelerated efforts for sustainable internal peace and national development. During our new government's tenure, we are prioritizing economic promotion with strategic partner countries to realize sustainable and balanced development. I firmly believe that the positive outcomes of today's discussion can be practically implemented between our two countries.”

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also stated that the two nations are neighboring "Pauk-Phaw" (fraternal) countries and wish to practically continue high-benefit cooperation. He expressed a desire for extensive discussions across various fields to achieve effective results and to enhance the protection of the interests of citizens from both countries.

Following this, Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discussed promoting bilateral cooperation in multi-sectoral areas, reopening border trade gates, and working together to systematically manage border trade in accordance with the rule of law. They also discussed enhancing technical support regarding quarantine standards for Myanmar’s agricultural and MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise) products, and accelerating strategic cooperation in the cross-border law enforcement sector.

 Photo showing the signing of Memorandums of Understanding in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing.

Similarly, they discussed China's potential assistance in building a stable energy system and providing renewable energy technology to meet Myanmar's electricity demands—which is a fundamental requirement to boost the national economy and create more job opportunities for the public. They also touched upon China's continued support for necessary recovery and reconstruction efforts following the major Mandalay earthquake, and accelerating the implementation of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor project, which is vital for both nations.

Furthermore, 18 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two countries in the presence of Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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

CNI News

June 17, 2026

As this is a critical period for peace and stability in the Naga region of Sagaing Region, Myanmar, the Naga Traditional Literature and Culture (Central) organization has formed the Peace and Negotiation Committee and is currently traveling to hold discussions with various Naga armed groups.

The Naga Traditional Literature and Culture (Central) has formed six separate teams to meet and discuss with six Naga armed groups, including NSCN-K/AM, NSCN-K/YA, ENDA, NNC, and NSCN-IM.

However, diverse views regarding the formation of this negotiation committee have emerged among local residents, with some expressing skepticism over the committee's efforts.

A local Naga resident told CNI News Agency that this Peace and Negotiation Committee is unprecedented in Naga history.

"Essentially, dividing into six teams proves that we have six groups here in Nagaland. The main plan is to meet Yung Awng's group, then An Mai's group, then the IM group, and so on. They will meet the groups separately. After the meetings, they will compile their opinions, form a group, and discuss further. The outcome will depend on those results, and we will see the solution then. The purpose of this committee is to unite all the organizations based in Pansaung. Frankly speaking, the Naga Traditional Literature and Culture (Central) is the largest body in Pansaung. Being the largest, it is a trusted organization. I hope most of the armed groups also trust this organization. We expect it to have a significant impact because this is something never done before in Naga history. Right now, no matter what, this is a crucial period for peace and stability, so they are working solely for that purpose," the local resident said.

Members of the Peace and Negotiation Committee.

The Naga Traditional Literature and Culture (Central) was originally established to preserve, promote, and hand down the customs, literature, and arts of the Naga ethnic people in Myanmar to future generations.

U Chin Maung, Chairman of the Peace Committee of the NSCN-K/AM, told CNI News Agency that their organization accepts the Peace and Negotiation Committee and is ready to participate as proposed.

"The public has a lot of trust in the path we are taking. They also have high expectations. Currently, we are working hand in hand with the Naga traditional organization. We have to coordinate and negotiate between the different groups. They said they have already met with the YA group, but the YA chairman did not grant an official meeting. However, they said they were able to meet and talk with the lower-level members. The Naga traditional group has been holding discussions with our chairman from yesterday until today, June 15. The main thing is to meet and discuss among the groups; our President U An Mai also wants to return to that path. Now, the Naga traditional group is implementing it," U Chin Maung said.

He further explained that while their group, NSCN-K/AM, has made efforts to hold discussions with NSCN-K/YA, the YA group has been reluctant to accept the talks. On the other hand, negotiations and contacts between their group and NSCN-IM remain active.

 Members of the NSCN-K/YA group.

"On our side, we are always ready to meet with other organizations like IM. It is just that things are not running smoothly when trying to meet with the YA group alone. We are mainly focusing on YA for our operations. We don't know when or what they have discussed before. However, we communicate with the IM group every single day. Even if we don't meet in person, we are always connected by phone. As for us, we accept this committee. We are prioritizing the peace and stability of Myanmar. I want to say that our organization is ready to participate in this committee exactly as they have invited us," U Chin Maung added.

Political analysts point out that long-standing tribalism, differing regional interests, and divergent political views within the Naga people remain the primary obstacles to unity efforts.

In addition, NSCN-IM/HR, NPDF, and Meitei (Manipuri) armed groups are also currently based and operating in the Naga region.

CNI News

June 17, 2026

In Myanmar’s current political landscape, President U Min Aung Hlaing might handle diplomatic affairs, while General Ye Win Oo, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services, could take charge of military operations, according to U Nyo Ohn Myint, an advisor to the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank, who spoke to CNI News.

He stated: "I think this government will move forward in two tracks. The President will handle diplomacy. As for the new Commander-in-Chief, General Ye Win Oo, if the armed conflicts stop, they stop; if not, he will use force to fight back. Instead of using proportional or minimum force like in the past, he is currently fighting in northern Chin State and parts of Shan State, where sovereignty and territories were previously lost. Furthermore, I believe a new form of peace will emerge based on economic trade driven by the self-interests of neighboring India and China."

Following his return from India, which marked his first official foreign trip, President U Min Aung Hlaing is currently visiting China on June 15 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Military and political analysts review these visits as significant international and regional diplomatic turning points. They suggest that at a time when the government is facing political and military pressures, these trips serve as a diplomatic strategy to balance relations between two powerful neighbors while seeking legitimacy.

Analysts point out that India’s decision to receive him could be aimed at countering Chinese influence in Myanmar and ensuring border security. On the other hand, China is likely strengthening relations to secure its strategic gateway to the Bay of Bengal and protect its economic interests.

They further analyzed that due to these two trips, Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) controlling border areas could face significant pressure regarding their military operations, as well as their supply and weapon logistics routes.

However, a political analyst told CNI News that looking at these developments, one cannot yet say the outlook for Myanmar's politics is positive.

President U Min Aung Hlaing and Indian Prime Minister Modi.

He noted: "We can't say the prospects are good. The armed conflict situation is spinning out of control. In reality, China and India do not genuinely have good relations with each other; they are interacting with Myanmar based solely on their own self-interests. In terms of military strategy, it won't be about total annihilation anymore. Instead of trying to eliminate an entire organization like before, they will likely push to continue discussions in accordance with the signed Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Therefore, the demands of various organizations will have to be renegotiated among themselves. This is because the original signatories of the NCA aimed to move toward a federal system and amend the current 2008 Constitution to align with it. However, groups like the Arakan Army (AA) are different now. They are demanding a confederation status, which is a higher and more independent level than a federal state."

Military and political analysts assess that both of President U Min Aung Hlaing's trips represent a new diplomatic approach aimed at overcoming domestic economic and border security crises by gaining the support and legitimacy of neighboring countries during this period of political transition.

There are assessments that the visits to both powerful neighboring nations could be strategic moves to diplomatically encircle and blockade resistance forces, helping the Myanmar military regain a military advantage or control the conflict fronts.

Nevertheless, analysts point out that the military momentum of EAOs and People's Defense Forces (PDFs) on the ground remains intense. Therefore, whether the assistance from China and India can decisively change the outcome of the war on the ground, or if it will simply prolong the duration of the conflict, remains an situation that needs to be closely monitored.

CNI News

June 17, 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing visited the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC) in Beijing, China, on June 17, 2026, to observe its operations.

CRCC is one of the largest railway and infrastructure construction companies in China.

It is reported that CRCC implements domestic and international railway networks, highways, bridges, and urban development projects.

CNI News

June 16, 2026

Chinese Premier Mr. Li Qiang and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing met for talks on June 16, 2026.

On the same day, he also held separate meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China.

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

CNI News 

June 16, 2026 

The Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing met in Beijing, China, on June 16, 2026.

Earlier on the morning of June 16, President U Min Aung Hlaing also met and held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which the two sides signed 18 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

President U Min Aung Hlaing is currently visiting China from June 15 to 19, following an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Prior to his trip to China, President U Min Aung Hlaing also visited India from May 30 to June 3, 2026, where he held talks with the Indian President, the Prime Minister of India, the Indian National Security Advisor, and India's Minister of External Affairs.

CNI News

June 16, 2026

Questions are being raised as to why parents are increasingly enrolling their children in private schools due to existing weaknesses in the government school education system in Myanmar.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, government schools in Myanmar commenced enrollment and teaching on June 1, 2026.

At the beginning of this academic school year, incidents have been observed where altercations between students escalated to injuries and fatalities, and fights among students led to disputes between parents, reaching the level of homicide.

Furthermore, situations have come to light indicating weaknesses in the teaching methods and instructional materials of government schools, lower qualifications among teachers, and substandard schools operating out of residential apartment-style rooms rather than meeting proper school standards.

Economic analyst U Thet Zaw told CNI News that the Ministry of Education needs to design a precise school management system.

Parents of students seen

"The Ministry of Education must formulate a precise school management system because the growth of private high schools and the increasing reliance of parents on them already provide an answer. This is because many parents enroll their children in private high schools since they can no longer rely on government schools. They do this so their children can become more literate and smarter. Another point I want to address is social media—not that it didn't exist when we were young, but it did—social media nowadays ruins children's character. For instance, in Australia, those under 18 are not allowed to use TikTok or other social media. They can use phones to talk, but restrictions have been introduced. When various problems emerge like this, we must look at how other countries handle them. In our country, parents let their children play with phones from the time they are crawling. Therefore, the corruption of children in our country is also related to the lack of parental discipline and guidance. The problem with the education system is that they don't teach effectively for students to learn at school. When we were young, they taught us to be proficient at school. They covered the entire curriculum. What is happening now is partly due to the country's economy and the insufficient salaries of teachers. Because their salaries are inadequate, they lean toward outside [private] teaching. Consequently, their effort at school is low, and they lack motivation. The ability of a schoolteacher has also declined. In some cases, although they teach, one has to question how proficient they are themselves. Being educated does not mean one knows how to teach. It requires teaching pedagogy and techniques from the very beginning," he said.

It is reported that because incidents of physical assault and fights using potentially harmful objects during or outside school hours have increased, educational talks are to be conducted within schools. Additionally, incidents of fighting during or outside school hours will be investigated by the school discipline committee, and all participants involved in such altercations will face the disciplinary action of being issued a school transfer certificate (expulsion).

U Soe Htet, Chairman of the New Chin Land Congress Party, told CNI News that in the current school education system, when relocating from one region or state to another, students cannot enroll in government schools without a school-leaving certificate, leaving them with no choice but to opt for private schools.

Children being enrolled in school.

"Regarding school education, the state does provide training to teachers for their respective subjects. Since they are appointed after receiving training, they must have qualifications. However, I don't wish to comment on the teachers' side. It's about the students in school education. I hope that the authorities will implement placement tests to allow students to study in the areas they arrive at. Although parents enroll them for the sake of their children's education, it is very difficult for them. Most parents do not have enough income to afford boarding houses for their students. Since it is an education matter, they are in a position where they absolutely must send them," he said.

Currently, although the state government and the Ministry of Education prohibit schoolteachers from offering private tuition, critics point out that teachers continue to provide tuition because of their low civil service salaries.

Furthermore, members of the public have pointed out that to reduce fights during and outside school hours, it is necessary to call parent-teacher meetings within schools, provide educational guidance to students, and prioritize subjects such as physical education, agriculture, and sports. Similarly, they highlighted the need to restrict children under the age of 18 from using social media.

CNI News

June 16, 2026

Political analyst Dr. M Kawn La told CNI News that Myanmar could see a situation where it re-emerges and bounces back while positioned among its powerful neighboring countries.

Myanmar has been plagued by internal conflict since March 1948, shortly after gaining independence on January 4, 1948, and the civil war continues to this day. Following the political crisis after February 1, 2021, and the subsequent administration by the military (Tatmadaw), intense armed conflicts broke out across Myanmar.

Political observers point out that the current situation in Myanmar has changed significantly compared to the armed conflicts, political instability, and pressure from ASEAN and some Western nations resulting from the political crisis between 2021 and 2025.

Dr. M Kawn La stated to CNI News that if Myanmar continues on its current trajectory, peace processes could gain strong momentum after 2027, potentially allowing Myanmar to bounce back among powerful nations.

"These developments are moving toward resolving our political and economic crises—it's like the beginning of the story's first five years. If this momentum can be sustained, our peace process is certain to regain strength. From our perspective, the peace processes will make significant progress after 2027. Furthermore, since the parliament (Hluttaw) is currently in session to make constitutional amendments, the peace process across all sectors will strengthen in the first and second years following the initial 100 days. According to our forecast, this is essentially a starting point of struggling to stand back up for a change. Those who just stay down after falling usually fail. Only those who get back up can take steps forward. Within five years, a certain level of peace will be achieved, and that stability could become substantial," he said.

Attendees seen at the meeting of Ethnic Armed Organization leaders.

He further commented on the neighboring dynamics: "Myanmar shares border checkpoints with five countries: Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos, India, and China. We are seeing indications that all these powerful neighbors intend to use their influence to drive the peace process. If things continue like this, Thailand is also likely to follow suit. If that happens, the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) along our borders will face a 'do or die' situation. I think they will face a dilemma in their decision-making—whether to fight to the death like Thakin Than Tun and the Communist Party of Burma, or to choose the path of peace. I see this situation unfolding within five years."

Additionally, he noted that it remains to be seen how Western nations will implement their monitoring and containment policy toward Myanmar.

"Once the peace process is somewhat successful and the political conflict stabilizes, the following five years—making it ten years in total—will bring real momentum. This is looking at it from a positive view. From a negative view, we have to see how much the Western bloc will intervene and implement their containment policy. In our case, the 'Kyat Hpant' (online scam/cyber fraud) operations were carried out in southern Myanmar, and the Rohingya (Bengali) issues were implemented in the west. How much they can pull off depends on how well we and our neighboring countries can defend against it. In my view, while there will be some actions taken under the containment policy, I don't think they can completely crush us. It won't be easy to break us. The conclusion that Myanmar can bounce back between five to ten years along its current path is quite realistic," Dr. M Kawn La said.

Currently, the administration led by President U Min Aung Hlaing includes dialogue for peace as part of the agendas to be implemented within its 100-day plan. However, political analysts point out that Ethnic Armed Organizations still have very weak trust in the current government's peace process, and it can be assumed that no definitive incentives have been offered yet to bring them to the peace path.

Economic analyst U Htay Aung Kyi told CNI News that the primary issue to be resolved in Myanmar is the ethnic armed conflict; unless this issue is successfully resolved, it is unrealistic to expect other sectors to go smoothly.

Working-class citizens seen

"I'm not saying it's impossible, but from my point of view, it’s not realistic. The most important thing is this ethnic problem. If this isn’t resolved, it won’t be easy for other things to succeed. First, regarding a political system—in my view, it must be a democratic federalism. This is because going into federalism without the practice of democracy is highly dangerous. To put it briefly, how to set up the structure of the Union of Myanmar is the number one priority. Second, only when this setting is correct will the economic system be right. And only with a proper economic system can there be progress. The main thing is, how do we first establish a setting for the ethnic problem that incorporates vision and wisdom? That needs to be done first. What I mean is, the first setting requires firmly establishing the political system, especially regarding federalism. The second step is that the economic system will only become correct if the political system is right. However, to state the current situation briefly and to the point, legitimacy will gradually develop. Once that happens, the main problem is controlling the economic decline and practicing a market economy. Unless the international community believes that a proper market economy is in place, foreign investment will not come at all. I want these points to be considered. However, the foundation for this setting already exists—which is the 2008 Constitution. As far as I understand, the 2008 Constitution is democratic federalism. One thing is, we need a mindset that is dedicated to implementing the 2008 Constitution properly and effectively," he said.

Economic analysts also point out that the current economic difficulties in Myanmar stem from the inability to firmly build the entire economic system. Since politics and the economy are intertwined, if the economy is not doing well, perspectives and mindsets can change as well.

President U Min Aung Hlaing visited India from May 30 to June 3, 2026, and is visiting China from June 15 to 19, 2026, to discuss political, economic, diplomatic, and peace matters.

CNI News 

June 16, 2026

Following a bilateral meeting between Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China, the two nations signed 18 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on June 16, 2026.

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

On June 16, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed him at the Great Hall of the People with a guard of honor and a 21-gun salute.

Following the ceremonial welcome, the leaders of both nations held bilateral talks and proceeded to sign the 18 MoUs.

Among these 18 agreements are: An MoU on jointly promoting the Global Security Initiative (GSI) cooperation between Myanmar and China. An MoU on jointly promoting the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) cooperation between the governments of Myanmar and China. An MoU on the implementation of the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

Additionally, agreements signed include: An MoU on the joint implementation of the Human Resources Development Cooperation Program (2026). An MoU on providing assistance for the reconstruction project of the new Aung San Stadium. A protocol on phytosanitary requirements for the export of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs from Myanmar to China.

Furthermore, the signed documents encompass: A protocol on phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh bananas from Myanmar to China. A protocol on inspection, quarantine, and sanitary requirements for the export of edible aquatic animals from Myanmar to China. An MoU on implementing the facilitation of cross-border transport in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). An MoU on cooperation in the health sector.

Other agreements include: An MoU on the China-Myanmar Science and Technology People-to-People Exchange Program. An MoU on the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum mechanism. An MoU on enhancing cooperation in the fields of broadcasting, television, and online audio/video services. An MoU on cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights. An MoU on cooperation in the field of competition. An MoU on supporting free trade and multilateral cooperation.

Finally, they signed: An MoU on the handover and acceptance of emergency humanitarian technical assistance for earthquake disasters. An MoU on cooperation in media development, technology, and knowledge exchange.