CNI News

1 Septeber 2025

The Acting President, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is currently in China, met and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on August 30, 2025, at the Tianjin State Guest House in Tianjin City.

Observers both inside and outside the country have been closely watching what topics President Xi Jinping and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing would discuss.

President Xi Jinping said that “China and Myanmar are close neighbors with strong bonds of kinship and friendship. China consistently supports Myanmar’s development and stability, and also supports Myanmar’s political processes. China stands firmly for the development of the Myanmar people and for building a community of shared future with Myanmar. China will continue to uphold and act in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, so that both nations can live peacefully side by side.”

Afterward, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit is an important meeting that can enhance international cooperation. He noted that Myanmar became a dialogue partner of SCO in May 2023 and has since participated in its meetings. He expressed Myanmar’s desire for continued support from China to eventually attain membership, adding that he believed the current meeting would further strengthen bilateral relations.

In addition, the two leaders discussed cooperation in Myanmar’s peace process, promoting trade, advancing projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (formerly known as OBOR) and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), effective utilization of natural resources, assistance regarding the recent major earthquake in Mandalay, China’s supportive stance on Myanmar in the international arena, further enhancing bilateral relations, as well as the successful holding of Myanmar’s multi-party democratic general election scheduled to begin on December 28 and the arrangements for international election observers invited to monitor the polls.

President Xi Jinping also recalled issues agreed upon during his meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow in May 2025, stressing the continuation of those undertakings. He reiterated China’s opposition to external interference in Myanmar’s political affairs, the need to advance China-Myanmar strategic cooperation, China’s constructive positions in support of Myanmar’s peace and stability, as well as Myanmar’s ability to stand with dignity on the international stage and within regional organizations.

Likewise, the discussions covered China’s support for Myanmar’s upcoming multi-party democratic general election, ongoing diplomatic cooperation, China’s backing for Myanmar’s accession as a full member of SCO, and coordination among relevant departments of both countries for continued sectoral cooperation.

Attending the meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing were General Ye Win Oo, Joint Secretary of the State Security and Peace Commission; Foreign Minister U Than Swe; and General Kyaw Swar Lin, Chief of the General Staff(Army, Navy, Air).

From the Chinese side, those present alongside President Xi Jinping included Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ms. Ma Jia, and other senior government officials.

CNI News
30 August 2025

After the announcement of the election date, analysts in military and political circles are making comments as to why the Myanmar Tatmadaw has escalated its offensives.

According to U Thein Tun Oo, Executive Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, the Tatmadaw is turning to force because political negotiations have failed.

“When political negotiations don’t work out, the Tatmadaw gradually turns to military means. During the time given for political talks, the Myanmar Tatmadaw kept its military activities low. To put it simply, the Tatmadaw initially prioritized the political track, which created some weaknesses on the military side, resulting in casualties and losses. But now, the priority has shifted to military operations. When the military and political tracks are carried out separately, we will see unusual outcomes.” he said to CNI News.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

In recent days, the military launched airstrikes against areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, and heavy clashes have also taken place in Kyaukme, northern Shan State. Additionally, offensives are ongoing in Sagaing Region, Bhamo in Kachin State, as well as in Karen State’s Hpa-an and Kawkareik.

According to Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), the escalation of military offensives aims to secure territories where elections can be held without disruption.

“When the election period arrives, there must be areas where elections can be held without disturbance. That is why the Tatmadaw is escalating military operations now. But even before the election period, it is already clear which areas can and cannot hold elections. The current military offensives are directed toward producing that answer. Groups that threaten to disrupt the elections will, of course, destroy them as much as they can. We cannot endorse or oppose it—it depends on each party’s own policy. Therefore, the authorities who intend to hold the election will try to ensure it goes ahead, according to their own policy.” he said to CNI News.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that Phase 1 of the election will take place on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships.

KNU is declared a terrorist organization

However, groups such as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Karen National Union (KNU), Arakan Army (AA), Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and other revolutionary organizations have already rejected the election. Similarly, the National Unity Government (NUG) has urged resistance.

The KNU released a statement on August 26, declaring that the election is merely “a contest to choose people and parties beneficial to the military.” The statement called on all Karen armed organizations, political groups, parties, and the people to oppose the election through non-violent means.

On August 28, the National Security and Peace Commission’s Anti-Terrorism Central Committee, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs, declared the KNU an illegal association and a terrorist organization.

According to the law protecting multiparty democratic elections from disruption, anyone found guilty of obstructing, disrupting, or destroying elections, and causing loss of life, can face a minimum of 10 years imprisonment, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.

CNI News
30 August 2025

The Myanmar Tatmadaw announced that on August 28, 2025, it had regained control of the Phayaung Taung mine and the Alpha Cement factory in Mandalay Region, which had previously been under the control of Mandalay PDF (MDY-PDF) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

On June 25, 2024, TNLA and MDY-PDF jointly launched the Shan-Mandalay offensive, attacking Mandalay city through the Madaya, Patheingyi, and Pyin Oo Lwin fronts.

Subsequently, in July 2024, the joint forces captured the Alphabet Land factory in the east and the Phayaung Taung mine near Yanantha village, north of Mataya.

To retake these areas, beginning on July 21, 2025, the Myanmar Tatmadaw launched coordinated offensives with four military columns: one from the Madaya–Bokone–Kyauktahta front, one from Myakantha village, one from the Pansalaung mountain side, and one from Baipin village.

Myanmar Tatmadaw retakes the Alpha Cement Factory

During this operation, the Tatmadaw regained control of the Phayaung Taung mine on August 24, 2025, and the Alpha Cement factory on August 28, 2025.

According to the Tatmadaw, there were 24 clashes with TNLA/MDY-PDF forces during the campaign, and they seized 46 weapons, ammunition, and related equipment.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw also announced that it would continue clearance operations in the area between Madaya and Thabeikkyin townships.

Meanwhile, on August 27, 2025, the Myanmar Tatmadaw and TNLA held their third round of ceasefire talks in Kunming, China, but the discussions ended without agreement.

During the talks, the Tatmadaw asked TNLA to return the townships - Namhkam, Mantong, Namhsan, Mongngawt, Monglon, Namtu, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mongmit, Kutkai, and Muse townships, except Mantong and Nansang.

Myanmar Tatmadaw retakes the Phayaung Taung mine

TNLA responded that it would return Kyaukme and Hsipaw, but insisted on retaining control of the other townships, and requested the military to formally acknowledge TNLA’s control of those townships.

As a result, the meeting collapsed, though both sides agreed to reconvene in September.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw and the TNLA have so far held talks three times in 2025: on February 16–17 (first round), on April 28–29 (second round) and on August 2 (third round).

CNI News

30 August 2025

On August 28, 2025, the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee, under the State Security and Peace Commission, announced that the Karen National Union (KNU) has been designated a terrorist group.

Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs also declared the KNU an unlawful association on August 28, 2025.

The Anti-Terrorism Central Committee's statement claimed that the KNU is committing terrorist acts such as planting mines and destroying public roads and bridges, attacking densely populated towns and villages with heavy artillery from a distance, carrying out drop bomb attacks, killing innocent civilians, forcibly recruiting new members, and destroying state-owned buildings, vehicles, machinery, and equipment.

For these reasons, the KNU has been declared a terrorist group, stated the committee.

Similarly, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the Interim President of the State believes that the objectives and actions of the KNU, its members, organizations it has formed, and individuals affiliated with these organizations are a threat and a danger to the rule of law, state stability, and public peace and tranquility.

Therefore, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the KNU an unlawful association.

The KNU is a Karen armed group that had signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

However, following the political changes in Myanmar after February 1, 2021, the KNU withdrew from the NCA and has been fighting the Myanmar Tatmadaw, attempting to seize towns and trade routes within Kayin State.

CNI News

29 August 2025

Due to border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia that escalated into armed clashes, many Cambodian workers left Thailand. 

To address the resulting labor shortage, Thailand has decided to allow Myanmar refugees to work, said U Min Oo, Labor Affairs Officer of the Foundation for Education and Development, to CNI News.

At a meeting on August 26, the Thai cabinet agreed to grant legal work permits to more than 40,000 people of working age living in nine refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border.

According to U Min Oo, Thailand is currently facing labor shortages, especially after Cambodian workers returned home, so the Thai government began considering Myanmar refugees as a replacement labor force.

A refugee camp near Mae Sot, on the Thai-Myanmar border (Photo by Tin Htet Paing)

“When the official Thai royal announcement comes out, I think more details will follow—such as how long work permits will be granted, whether extensions will be possible, and whether these people will be included in the CGI (migrant worker registration) system or not. Refugees can’t be entered into the CGI system like ordinary migrant workers. Instead, Thailand will need to issue a special pass. This is because refugees came here for various reasons and cannot be processed as regular migrant workers using documents from the Myanmar government. So, when the official announcement comes, there will likely be restrictions. It won’t be the same system as normal migrant workers.” he said.

Labor rights activists said the decision was based on factors such as improving bilateral relations, reducing illegal employment problems, supporting the social and economic well-being of camp residents, and maintaining stability along the border.

U Aung Kyaw, a labor rights activist, told CNI News that he welcomed Thailand’s policy change to allow refugees in border camps to work.

A refugee camp along the Thai-Myanmar border

“In the refugee camps along the Thai border, many of our Myanmar nationals and ethnic minorities have lived as refugees for decades. They survive under very tight restrictions, struggling day by day. Some have never been allowed to leave the camps to work. That was never an option before. When international aid and rations were cut, their lives became even more difficult. Since the Thai government itself cannot fully support them, granting legal work permits outside the camps is a way of helping them stand on their own. I appreciate this policy change.” he said.

It is reported that the Thai government has been sending health workers into the camps to provide medical check-ups and treatment for common illnesses. However, patients requiring hospital care must bear half of the costs themselves. The Thai government does not provide food supplies to the camps.

CNI News

29 August 2025

Revolutionary forces’ opposition to the election raises the question of whether it amounts to supporting the military’s current rule, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), to CNI News.

At present, the upcoming election to be organized by the State Security and Peace Commission has already been rejected by the KIA, KNU, AA, KNPP, and other revolutionary organizations. Similarly, the NUG has urged resistance to it.

Therefore, Colonel Khun Okkar of the PNLO (NCA/S) stated that the groups opposing the election are indirectly endorsing the current governance of the Myanmar military.

“Groups that say they will sabotage the election are, in an indirect way, supporting the current situation. If you say you will sabotage the election, then the question arises whether you are endorsing the present situation. What they say is their idea. We neither object nor support it. But if we look back at Myanmar’s 1960 election, no official organization has ever conducted it in a truly legitimate way. Everyone always claimed it was in some way illegitimate. The same goes for the 2010, 2015, and 2020 elections. Even though the respective governments claimed they were valid, they were all conducted under the 2008 Constitution. So if one argues that elections under the 2008 Constitution are illegitimate, then one must also object to the 1990 election onwards. Another point is that people know elections are not the solution. But since no one can provide an alternative solution, things are continuing in the current pattern. So, when you oppose the election, it raises the question whether you are supporting the continuation of the current system.” he said.

KNU Chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win

The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that the first phase of the election will be held on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships.

However, the Karen National Union (KNU) issued a statement on August 26, saying the election is “an event to select candidates and parties that will benefit the military” and urged Karen armed groups, Karen political forces, Karen parties, and the general public to oppose it through nonviolent means.

Similarly, the Special Attack Force of the Naga Region PDF announced on August 27 that it would absolutely not accept elections in the Naga region and would not guarantee safety during the election period.

According to U Thein Tun Oo, Executive Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, when the military governs the country, revolutionary groups have had a good reason to headline, which makes them more satisfied with the current condition.

Some NUG leaders

“ The election path is something that must inevitably be taken. But now, some armed groups are choosing another path instead of elections. So we must ask them—what kind of democracy do they want, when they reject the election route? They may have various expectations. At this time, since the military is ruling, they can claim they are resisting dictatorship. In fact, they have had a good reason to headline. Because of that, they seem to become more comfortable with the current situation.” he said.

On July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing promulgated the Law on the Prevention of Election Obstruction, Disruption, and Sabotage. Under this law, if anyone obstructs or disrupts elections resulting in deaths, they can be punished with a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Vice Senior General Soe Win stated on August 26, 2025, that since there might be groups attempting to sabotage elections, people should remember that democracy can only emerge if elections are successfully held.

CNI News
28 August 2025

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, will visit China and hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to an announcement from Nay Pyi Taw on August 28, 2025.

The statement said that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will make an official visit to China in the coming days at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

During the trip, he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, which will be held in Tianjin, China.

Likewise, he will also attend a military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Furthermore, he will hold meetings and discussions with President Xi Jinping, other senior Chinese government officials, as well as with leaders of other countries who will attend the events, the announcement stated.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the military parade and SCO Summit in China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing previously met with President Xi Jinping in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2025; with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, 2025; and with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia, on March 4, 2025.

CNI News

28 August 2025

The Naga Region Special Attack Force (PDF) announced on August 27, 2025, that since elections will not be accepted at all in the Naga Region, they cannot guarantee safety during the election period.

According to the statement, Myanmar Tatmadaw is preparing to hold a sham election, but any party or individual that chooses to participate in the Naga Region will only escalate conflict and increase instability. Therefore, the Naga Region Special Attack Force declared that they will not accept the sham election in any way.

“Any loss of life or property damage that may occur during the election period will be the sole responsibility of those directly participating in the election or cooperating with such activities. We will not, under any circumstances, take responsibility for subsequent issues.” added the group.

Accordingly, the group warned that it will not provide any security guarantees for those running in the Myanmar Tatmadaw’s election in the Naga Region, nor for those assisting in the conduct of the election.

While seeing the Law protecting multiparty democratic general elections from obstruction

The Naga Region Special Attack Force operates under the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG).

The Union Election Commission (UEC) announced that the first phase of the election in Myanmar will be held on December 28, 2025, across 102 townships. Among these 102 townships are Lahe, Leshi, and Nanyun in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region.

Various ethnic armed organizations, the NUG, the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), pro-democracy activists, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), and the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) have all declared that they will prevent the planned election from taking place.

NUG leaders

In response, on July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing enacted a law aimed at protecting multiparty democratic general elections from disruption.

Under this law, any act of obstruction, disruption, or destruction of multiparty democratic general elections, as well as causing deaths in connection with such acts, is punishable by a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.

CNI News

28 August 2025

A democratic government will only emerge when a free and fair multi-party democratic election can be held, said Vice Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission, Vice Senior General Soe Win.

He made the remark on August 26, 2025, during the ceremony honoring outstanding students who excelled in the 2024–2025 academic year university entrance examination.

“Only if a dignified, free, and fair multi-party democratic election can be held, will a parliament with dignity and people’s representatives chosen by the majority of the people come into existence. A democratic government will then emerge, and such a government will be able to successfully advance toward the democratic goals we aspire to. It is therefore crucial that all our people and organizations understand this.” said Vice Senior General Soe Win.

Statement released by the KNU

He continued that while the government and the public are working positively toward holding elections, there are also organizations and individuals attempting to disrupt and sabotage them. He said such actions are obstructions that aim to prevent the country’s development.

The Union Election Commission has announced that the election will be held in Phase (1) across 102 townships on December 28, 2025.

However, some armed groups, the National Unity Government (NUG), the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), and pro-democracy activists have declared that they will sabotage the election.

The Karen National Union (KNU), which is engaged in armed conflict with the Myanmar Tatmadaw, also announced on August 26, 2025, that it will oppose the election, considering it a national duty. 

Some NUG leaders

The KNU said the military’s effort to hold the election is merely a cover to avoid implementing ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. According to the KNU, it will be a sham election designed to benefit the military and its allied parties. The group added that political parties taking part in such a sham election would only obstruct the future building of a new federal democratic system.

Similarly, PDFs fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw also declared that they will take action against anyone who participates in the military-organized election.

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw seized power from the NLD government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, claiming that the NLD attempted to form a government without resolving alleged voter list fraud in the 2020 general election. The Tatmadaw then declared a state of emergency.

Following this, NLD leaders, members of parliament, armed groups, democracy activists, and some political parties opposed and resisted the coup, and later attempted to overthrow the military regime through armed struggle.

Under these circumstances, the Myanmar Tatmadaw has declared that it will hold elections and transfer state power to the political party that wins.