CNI Article

By- Chit Min Tun

12 June 2025

Article 3 of the 2008 Constitution, entitled "The Fundamental Principles of the State," stipulates that the State is where multi-National races collectively reside.

We need to examine how the meaning of ethnicity is defined. As far as we can see, ethnic groups are defined as the people who originally lived in a region (or territory) (or country) before the colonial era or other migrations.

Ethnic groups are people who have historically lived in a territory (or country) (or region) for many years and have their own history, culture, territory, language and literature, and traditions. Race is defined by skin color, physical characteristics, culture, and nationality. 

For example: Chinese, Indian, Burmese, American, In this way, an ethnic group in a country can claim the right to own territory, a race has very little right to claim the right to own territory. (For example, Shan/Kachin/Kayah/Mon/Karen/Chin/Rakhine/Burman can claim secession/statehood based on their right to own land, while Chinese, Indians, Muslims, and Gorkhas do not have the right to own territory, and if they do, they may be severely suppressed.)

However, the definition of ethnic is both very subtle and broad, so it is necessary to exactly clarify the definition of ethnic in Myanmar because Myanmar is said to be made up of eight major ethnic groups( namely Kachin, Kayah, Mon, Burmese, Rakhine, Shan, Karen, and Chin) and other over 100 ethnic groups, totaling 135 ethnic groups:

If that is the case, then all 135 ethnic groups should have equal rights, and no one group should have more rights. There is still another issue that needs to be clarified in Myanmar. 

That is the question of whether the Bamar are ethnicity or nationality. Although it is generally understood that the Bamar are considered ethnic, why do Bamar people refer to non-Bamar people as ethnic when they speak/discuss with other ethnic groups?

Similarly, when non-Burmans talk/discuss with Burmans, why don't they refer to the Bamar as an ethnic group? Non-Bamars have accused the Bamar of practicing Chauvinism while the Bamar have also accused non-Bamars of discriminating against and excluding them, even though the Bamar do not practice Chauvinism.

However, Myanmar is a country where multi-ethnic groups live and were established by bringing together all these ethnic groups, so everyone should be equal. However, because of the rulers of the country and the provisions of the 2008 Constitution, divisions and disunity are taking place among the ethnic groups.

For example, Article 450 of the 2008 Constitution stipulates that Burmese is the official language, and Article 22 (a) stipulates that the state will help develop the language, literature, art, and culture of ethnic groups. According to these two provisions, which one is the Myanmarsar language and which nationality is the Bamar? Since the Myanmar language and literature are the language and literature of the Bamar people, is Myanmar called Bamar? is Myanmar language the Bamar's language?

Then, in relation to the provision of Article 22 (a), does it mean that Myanmar (or Bamar) is not an ethnic group? Does Myanmar (or Bamar) exist above ethnic groups including Shan/Karen/Mon/Rakhine/Kachin/Chin/Kayah?  Was the country of Myanmar today founded by a single ethnic group, the Myanmar (or Bamar)?

“Since Myanmar is a Union State, it is necessary to ensure that the official language and literature established by the State are mastered nationwide,” said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during a meeting with leaders of the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) on May 25, 2025.

Similarly, efforts are being made to end the civil war that has raged for over 70 years in Myanmar and the national-level political dialogues under the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) were held by the non-Bamar ethnic groups, but  Bamar ethnic group did not participate in the dialogues.

Why do the Bamar ethnic group hold the national level political dialogues? No one clearly explains why. In the singing, acting, writing, and musical instrument playing competition that are often held in Myanmar, competitions are conducted with Bamar songs, Bamar dance and Bamar traditional orchestra. But there are no such competitions for other ethnic groups.

In this case, I think it is necessary to consider whether the accusations made by non-Burman ethnic groups that the Burman people are practicing Chauvinism are true or false. Finally, if we are to build a democratic, federal Union in Myanmar, I think it is important to have a clear definition of Myanmar (or Bamar) and ethnic groups.

Otherwise, just as the Soviet Union collapsed due to confusion between democracy and federalism, Myanmar should be aware that the confusion between the definition of Myanmar (or Bamar) and ethnicity could lead to the subsequent collapse of the country following a civil war.

CNI News

11 June 2025

The upcoming elections in Myanmar are an exit for the people rather than for the SAC, the Karen People's Party (KPP) chairperson Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo told CNI News. 

The people were sandwiched between battles of the two sides and got into trouble as hostages and only when a government emerged after elections were held, could the country exit from the crisis, so elections were an exit for the people, she said.

" Some people says that elections are the exit for the SAC, but as for us, elections are the exit for the people because the people are sandwiched between the battles of the two sides and are getting into trouble as hostages. Only when a government emerges after elections are held, could the country exit from the crisis. A free forum will be held by the end of this month, where how to rebuild the country and how to make the elections peaceful will be discussed." said Daw Nant Khin Aye Oo.

While the SAC chairman was meeting with political parties

There was no dispute that elections were not exit for the people, but they were for the SAC, U Kyi Myint, a political commentator told CNI News.

SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that elections in Myanmar will be held in phases, in December 2025 and January 2026.

Then, armed groups and democracy activists said that the SAC was looking for a way out of the political crisis by holding elections, so the elections that SAC was going to hold must be sabotaged without fail.

While seeing political parties

However, political parties registered with the Union Election Commission (UEC) of the SAC have pointed out that the upcoming election is not an exit for the SAC but an exit for the people, and that they need to be aware that if there is no election, they will have to live under the emergency provisions of the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

The people of Myanmar are currently facing disasters such as war, earthquakes, floods, storms, and diseases, as well as social, economic, health, political, and educational declines.

CNI News

11 June 2025

The military conflict breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KIA depended on China, chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), Sai Htay Aung told CNI News. 

He said that China is behind all the jade mining in the Hpakant region, and that if China did not encourage the illegal jade market, Myanmar's political issues could be half-settled.

" It's sorrowful that two Myanmar armed groups are fighting against each other. China has huge economic interests there. Whether or not China will escalate the Hpakant military conflict is entirely up to it. The value of jade produced in Hpakant was 66 billion kyats in Myanmar in 2023. But its value was 21 billion US dollars in China. The jade was not legally exported to China, but through armed groups. We must be careful that China is behind all the jade mining. If China is a good neighboring country, it should connect with the central government to buy the Myanmar jade. If the black market was not encouraged, the Myanmar political issues could be half-settled." said Sai Htay Aung.

While seeing jade mining in the Hpakant region

The Myanmar Tatmadaw is trying to regain the places that it has lost control of in the Hpakant region, and local media reported that a Myanmar Tatmadaw column entered Hpakant town in late May and reinforced its forces. And then, battles are taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KIA near Hpakant.

The KIA has been launching military operations to capture towns since March 2024, and is also waging battles in the border areas of Sagaing Region and Shan State.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw would wage battles on a large scale because  Hpakant is an economically important region, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News.

"The Myanmar Tatmadaw will fight in a big way. But it won't be easy for the Myanmar Tatmadaw. But it is able to defend for long in Bhamo because it has more weapons. So, the battles in Hpakant can take as long as those in Bhamo." she said.

Military and political observers point out that the Burmese military's offensive on Hpakant is not because of its military importance like Bhamo, but because of its natural resources.

The KIA has been waging a battle to capture Bhamo since December 4, 2024, and has not yet captured it, but it has occupied the entire region east of the Ayeyarwady River. 

Local media outlets are also reporting that natural resource extraction is currently worsening in townships in Kachin State.

CNI News

11 June 2025

There are pressures on the AA that has three townships only left in Rakhine State, in waging battles to take over towns, military and political observers told CNI News. 

The AA, which has occupied 14 of the 17 townships in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State, is under pressure because it still has other tasks to do, including maintaining and administering the townships it has seized, U Myo Kyaw of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News.

“The AA is still in its infancy in the revolution. So at this time, many of their young people and middle-aged people are trying hard. They can work. They can take over their territories. This is the dream of the Rakhine people that they have dreamed of for over 200 years. The ULA/AA was able to reach up to this level in so short a time. But they had to pay a lot for that as well. Their comrades and people were killed. Daily pressures are on the AA to maintain the territories. Moreover, the AA is responsible for administration, judiciary, healthcare, education and so on in these territories. And there are India's Kaladan River Project and China's Kyaukphyu SEZ and Sino-pipeline in the territories where the AA hasn't captured. The pressures are on the AA for them as well." he said.

While seeing a crossroads in Rakhine State

The AA was waging battles to take over towns on a limited basis, said in a warning preventing Rakhine people trying to evacuate their homes on May 20. Except for Sittwe, Manaung and Kyaukphyu in southern Rakhine State,  The AA has controlled 15 towns including Paletwa.

Currently, the AA is launching an offensive against the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Kyaukphyu where China's projects are located.

The AA is waging battles to take over towns on a limited basis and it may be because of China's pressure or because of its difficulties as well, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News. 

While seeing Paletwa Town

"Capturing towns is easy. But holding them is difficult. That's why the AA is considering these, I think. Moreover, a town that is captured by the AA can be bombed. The AA wants to have good relations with China. In the statements released by the AA, it will protect China's investments. China's pressure may be on the AA. And it may have other difficulties to wage battles as well." she said.

Military and political analysts point out that the AA may be under pressure from China and India due to the presence of India's Kaladan River projects in Rakhine State. 

The Arakan Army (AA) has announced that it has banned men and women eligible for military service under the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP) from leaving Rakhine State.

Under the National Defense Emergency Provision (NDEP), women aged 18 to 25 and men aged 18 to 45 are prohibited from travelling outside Rakhine State. The Myanmar Tatmadaw has been using the 'four cuts' strategy in the towns, Rakhine State since November, 2023 when battles resumed in Rakhine State

CNI News

10 June 2025

China's Belt and Road Initiative is an opportunity for Myanmar, said the SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

He made the above remarks at the Diamond Jubilee Ceremony of the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Myanmar and China held at the Mingalar Thiri Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on June 8, 2025.

“Myanmar is located in an important geographical location where China’s Belt and Road Initiative and China-Myanmar Economic Corridor projects are being implemented. I believe that the rapid implementation of these projects will create many opportunities for the two peoples to achieve sustainable prosperity and development together. I am grateful to China for its support and encouragement in the peace process, national reunification, and development processes, as well as for its support and donations during the earthquake and COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

China has now become a world leader, and has provided substantial assistance regarding the Myanmar border issue. Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Arakan  Front Party (AFP), told CNI News.

While the 75th anniversary celebration of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations was being held

“Senior General Min Aung Hlaing had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Xi Jinping at the invitation of Russia to attend the Victory Day parade. I think they discussed in detail that China would accept and cooperate with Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, the Myanmar-China friendship has many important and common interests. To achieve development, China's participation and Myanmar's society, Myanmar's position, China's position, the five principles of bilateral peaceful coexistence, these are important in diplomacy. That's why Mr. Xi Jinping said that the  kinship friendship, economic and political paths such as the BRI, security measures, cultural measures, and development measures. Myanmar also deeply supports China's global initiatives. I would say that the GTI and GSI are also similar. The relationship will become closer," he said.

President Xi also said that the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations was an opportunity to promote cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

Currently, the implementation of China's Silk Road project in northern Shan State is being delayed due to fighting between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Northern Alliance (MNDAA-TNLA-AA).

Therefore, China is intervening to negotiate a ceasefire between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the MNDAA-AA-TNLA. 

The MNDAA-TNLA-AA control the main China-Myanmar border trade route, including Theinni, Kutkai, Thibaw, Kyaukme, Naungcho, the 105-mile trade zone, and the Chin Shwe Haw border gate in northern Shan State.

CNI News

10 June 2025

The Ta’ang Political Consultative Committee (TPCC) announced on June 9, 2025, the formation of the Ta’ang Land Council (TLC) to govern the territories captured and controlled by the TNLA after fighting against the  Myanmar Tatmadaw during Operation 1027. 

The political summit of the Ta’ang Political Consultative Committee (TPCC), which includes the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Ta’ang National Party (TNP), and Ta’ang CSOs, was held from June 1 to 3, 2025.

Then, they accepted and approved the “Ta’ang State Revolutionary Government Plan” drafted by the Ta’ang State Constitutional Drafting Committee (TSCDC) and decided to form the “Ta’ang Land Council” as the highest political authority in the Ta’ang State during the revolutionary period. According to the plan, the TPCC, which was formed on March 24, 2021, has been transformed into the TLC to oversee and lead the executive, legislative, and judicial pillars of the Ta'ang State, the TPCC announced.

While seeing the announcement of the formation of the Ta'ang Land Council

Therefore, the Ta’ang State Council (TLC) had been made up of  General Tar Aik Bone (TNLA Chairman), Lwe Moe Kham, Tar Aye Maung, General Tar Khu Lan (TNLA Vice Chairman-2), Ta Aung Pe, Tar Kyaw Tun, Lwe Moe Hlaing, Lwe Poe Kame' Chaing, and Captain Lwe Ye (TNLA), the TPCC announced.

The TLC will make every effort to establish a Ta’ang People’s Government by 2025 as soon as possible, based on the territories captured by the TNLA and its allies in Operation 1027, with the leaders of the three groups and appropriate representatives of the people, said in the statement.

The TNLA launched Operation 1027 on 27 October 2023, with the AA, MNDAA, KNDF, PLA, PDFs, MDY-PDF, BNRA, and DPLA in northern Shan State and Mandalay Region.

During Operation 1027, the TNLA was able to control of the townships of Nansang, Man Tong, Namtu, Nam Kham, Kutkai, Kyaukme, Nawng Cho, Mong Ngor, Mogok, Momeik, Mabein, and Thibaw.

CNI Interview

10 June 2025

The SAC Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has said that elections in Myanmar will be held one place after another in December 2025 and January 2026.

CNI News Agency asked the Union Election Commission (UEC) which system will be used in the elections, which regions will be prioritized, and how the elections will be held one place after another.

CNI: Will the December 2025 election be held under the PR system, the FPTP system, or a mix of PR and FPTP?

UEC: The upcoming election will use both the previous First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) systems.

CNI: How many of the 330 townships in Myanmar are scheduled to hold elections?

UEC: At the time of the announcement of the election date, elections will be held in the townships where they can be held, and in the areas where they cannot be held, depending on the prevailing security situation.

According to the Union Election Commission's current statistics, elections are scheduled to be held in 267 townships.

CNI: I want to know whether the voting system for the Pyithu Hluttaw is PR or FPTP.

I want to know whether the voting system for the Amyotha Hluttaw is PR or FPTP.

I want to know whether the voting system for the Regional and State Hluttaw is PR or FPTP.

UEC: The upcoming election will use both the previous First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) systems. Details will be announced after the relevant Hluttaw election laws and regulations are enacted.

CNI: There are concerns that the election results may be rigged, as the voting system will be Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM). How can you ensure that this does not happen?

UEC: Trial voting with MEVM machines has been conducted in central institutions, ministries, universities, social organizations and 9 regions/states in Nay Pyi Taw, and political parties have also tested. The voter can verify the results themselves. Test voting has shown that there are no errors in the results. The voting machine does not include Internet, Wifi, Bluetooth systems. It does not include Windows operating systems (OS) like computers.

It is a very simple and secure system as it is a microcontroller system.

In accordance with the Myanmar Standards Act (2014), the quality and standards of the voting machine are being carried out to be certified at the national level.

CNI: Which Regions and States are being planned to hold the elections first? I would like to know which regions will be the second priority.

UEC: Except for areas with restrictions due to geographical conditions, all regions and states are scheduled to hold elections in phases according to the priority plan.

CNI: Will the December 2025 election be held on a single day or how many days will be allowed for voting?

UEC: The upcoming election is scheduled to be held in phases, and the dates for each phase will be designated.

CNI: In regions and states where elections have not been able to be held yet, don't political parties that have been formed to contest in those regions need to contest elections any more, or in what form can they be allowed to contest elections? How will the people in those regions be able to vote? (For example, consider the parties and people who will be competing in Rakhine State, Chin State, Kayah State, Kachin State, and Sagaing Region.)

UEC: In accordance with the electoral system to be implemented, constituencies will be determined in regions and states according to the relevant Hluttaws, and efforts will be made in order that political parties will be able to compete in the elections. People will also be able to vote at polling stations designated by constituency.

CNI: For example, in Rakhine State, elections can be held in three townships, and there are MPs for only those three townships, while the MPs for the other 14 townships will be left vacant. Or will the other 14 townships be asked to vote for representatives from the three townships that can be held? In that case, I would like to know how the people who will vote will be asked to vote on their behalf.

UEC: We are working to enact and publish the relevant Hluttaw election laws and regulations that will be in line with the new electoral system.

The Hluttaw representatives will be selected according to the constituencies where the elections will be held. We will know on detail after the law is enacted.

CNI News

9 June 2025

The decision made by the International Labor Organization (ILO) will not affect employers, workers, and businesses in Myanmar, so they can continue to work peacefully without worry, announced the SAC Ministry of Labor on June 6, 2025. 

During the 113th Session of the International Labor Conference of the ILO, a resolution regarding Myanmar was adopted on 5 June 2025.

The Ministry of Labor said that the decision was based on political approaches and was a unilateral decision made with the aim of putting pressure on the Myanmar government through the ILO. 

“The decision made by the ILO is intended to exert political pressure, and will not have any impact on employers, workers, and businesses in Myanmar, so they can continue to work peacefully in their workplaces without any worries,” said the ministry.

The Ministry of Labor announced that it will continue to cooperate with the international community, including the ILO, in a manner that does not affect Myanmar's sovereignty and independence, in order to ensure that the rights of workers, which are important for Myanmar's development, are promoted in accordance with the law, develop social lives, and create employment opportunities.

The ILO's action against Myanmar under Article 33 could affect other businesses, including the garment industry, and increase unemployment rates, business owners have pointed out.

CNI News

7 June 2025

Any member of the Mara ethnic group under 45 must do a military service, announced the Mara Territory Council (MTC/MDF) on June 5, 2025. 

During the third Mara People's Assembly, the first Central Council Meeting was held from May 30 to June first.

20 proposals regarding defense, health, education and general administration, as well as controling all Mara territories were discussed and decided. Moreover, any member of the Mara ethnic group under 45 must do a military service - the proposal was confirmed, reported the MTC/MDF.

The statement said that the Mara Territory Council (MTC) agreed to continue its efforts to achieve federal democracy, overthrow the military dictatorship, and achieve a fully secure political system for the entire Mara people.

Mara people live in Matupi, Thantlan and Paletwa Townships in Chin State. The Maraland Defense Force (MDF) was made up of the Chinland Defense Force and the Mara Army at
the first Mara People's Assembly that was held from January 29, 2022 to January 30, 2022.

The MDF has been involved in armed conflicts during the political crisis that began on February 1, 2021, and is fighting the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the SAC to overthrow them.