CNI News
18 August 2024

Myanmar Tatmadaw was the foundation of the Myanmar's peace and stability, said the Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi on 14th August. He said the above when he was meeting with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).

" The Myanmar Tatmadaw is the foundation of the Myanmar's peace and stability and the most important element that protect and maintain the China-Myanmar relation. It kept mutual trust, advocacy and friendship. Under the leadership of chairman, the Myanmar Tatmadaw play an important role in the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. We would like to praise for that." said Wang Yi.

Because armed conflicts are breaking out across the country, the number of people who fled their homes has been over one million. The TNLA, the MNDAA, the AA, the BPLA, the KNDF, the BNRA, the PLA, the MDY-PDF and local PDFs launched Operation-1027 on 27th October, 2023 and captured many townships in northern Shan State.

While seeing the MNDAA force

And then, they started second part of Operation-1027 on 25th June, 2024 and because these armed groups are trying to capture townships in Mandalay Region, battles are severely breaking out.

Behind the armed groups' operations, China was supporting the armed groups; although China knew Operation-1027 in advance, it didn't inform the Myanmar Tatmadaw. so, China was unscrupulous, pointed out supporters of the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

" We, two countries, are neighbors and good friends. The two countries designated as strategic partner countries in the past and during the Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Myanmar in 2020, both countries have built a society together to share the same future in accord with the five-point principles of peaceful co-existence. The present meeting will help promote friendly relations and further cooperation between the two countries, I believe." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

After that, China opposed the attacks on towns and villages by EAOs in northern Shan State, would provide assistance to the election held by the SAC and conducting the census-taking.

Moreover, China “opposes chaos and war in Myanmar, interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs by extra-territorial forces and any attempts to drive a wedge between China and Myanmar and smear China, said Wang Yi.

CNI News
18 August 2024

Political parties which criticize or point out the State Administration Council (SAC) were refused to register, chairman of the Arakan National Party (ANP) U Thar Tun Hla told CNI News.

Because the ANP went against the Section-7 of the political parties registration law, the ANP's application to be registered had been refused, released the Union Election Commission (UEC) on 1st July.

According to a certain existing law, an organization that has been declared an unlawful association or an organization that is attacking the state with armed forces, or organizations that encourage or support an organization or individuals designated by the state as committing terrorist acts have no rights to register.

" I think the UEC is showing its attitude only parties that support the SAC are allowed to register. The parties that criticize the SAC are refused." said U Thar Tun Hla to CNI News.

The UEC released the political parties re-registration law and bylaws on 31st January 2023 and asked the political parties to register again within 60 days.

Because Myanmar is a State of Union, all ethnic groups have the right to participate in politics and it was necessary to allow political parties to register, spokesperson of the Mon Unity Party (MUP) Naing Than Shwe told CNI News.

" It's necessary to allow remaining parties to register because our country is a State of Union in which a variety of ethnic groups live. So, they have rights to participate in politics." he said.

The MUP has been refused to register although it has applied for registration for over one year. Moreover, the Zomi Congress for Democracy (ZCD) and the Arakan National Party (ANP) including some other parties have been refused to register.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC, said that census-taking would be conducted this year and a general election would be held in 2025.

CNI News
17 August 2024

After Thai PM Srettha was removed from office, processes regarding migrant workers could be delayed, those who are carrying out for the labor issues, told CNI News.

The Thai Constitutional Court decided to remove Thai PM Srettha from office on 14th August and because Srettha is from the Pheu Thai party, new PM would probably be elected from that party.

Although policies regarding migrant workers could not change, delays could become, U Aung Kyaw from the Labor Rights Foundation told CNI News.

" The Thai government has announced that it will issue residence and work permits to the migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. But after the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Affairs consult, the date which the process will be started will be announced. But as the abrupt changes like this have emerged, we will have to wait until the new government has been formed already. So, it has been a bit of hindrance for the migrant workers who are waiting to get residence and work permits. They probably will wait for long." he said.

While Thai PM Srettha who was removed from office

Because PM Sretthan appointed Mr. Pichit who was involved in a bribery scandal and sentence to six months in jail in 2008 to a position in the government, the court decided that Srethha violated ethics. In voting to remove Srettha from office, among the five votes, four votes agreed to remove Srettha from office.

Some are reviewing that a crisis will probably emerge in the Thai politics. However, if a new PM was elected from another party, not from Pheu Thai, changes could emerge, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development, U Min Oo told CNI News.

" If someone from Srettha's party was elected new PM, the party's policy has been laid down. New PM will go on with the party's policy. Otherwise, if someone from another party was elected, changes can arise." he said.

The Pheu Thai party made commitments regarding migrant workers since the campaign period and basic salary was raised until 400 Baht and plans to issue residence and work permits had been made under the Thai government led by Srettha.

Moreover, the Thai Constitution Court decided to disband the Move Forward Party (MFP) and Party leaders were also banned from politics for 10 years.

CNI News
17 August 2024

Because it is difficult to buy fuel in Taungoo Township, Bago Region, social assistance associations are finding it difficult to work and they reportedly could suspend their activities.

People have to buy fuel on a limited basis at the fuel stations and small roadside fuel shops in Taungoo. Because of being unable to buy enough fuel and high prices, it became difficult to carry patients, said an official from Taungoo-based Pyit Taing Daung Social Assistance Association.

" As long as we have fuel in our cars, we'll continue to do our work. When we don't get fuel any more, all the associations will hold a meeting and have to decide what we should do." he said to CNI News.

Due to fuel shortage, social assistance associations have to be coordinating among them, said an official from Taungoo-based Pyit Taing Daung Social Assistance Association.

" Our associations connect and carry out. That is to say, if our association has run out of fuel, we ask another association that has fuel for help so that we can carry patients." he said.

As most social associations are carrying emergency patients free of charge, if those who are responsible for patients pay for fuel or donors donate money, social assistance associations could exist any more, he said.

" If a patient was poor, we would carry the patient free of charge. If a patient can afford it, they pay for the fuel." he said to CNI News.

Due to fuel shortage in Taungoo Township, small businesses are finding it difficult and locals are also inconvenienced, said a battery hirer from Taungoo.
" As my business is battery hiring, we have to mainly depend on electricity. We can hire batteries only when the electricity is available. If the power fails, we don't have any fuel to start the generator." he said.

The price of 92 gasoline is 4,000 kyats per liter and the price of 95 gasoline, 4,500 kyats per liter in Taungoo at present.

Most gas stations have been closed until the morning of 15th August due to fuel shortage in the fuel stations and it is reportedly not easy to buy fuel even at the small roadside fuel shops.

CNI News

17 August 2024

Because it is difficult to buy fuel in Taungoo Township, Bago Region, social assistance associations are finding it difficult to work and they reportedly could suspend their activities. 

People have to buy fuel on a limited basis at the fuel stations and small roadside fuel shops in Taungoo. Because of being unable to buy enough fuel and high prices, it became difficult to carry patients, said an official from Taungoo-based Pyit Taing Daung Social Assistance Association.

" As long as we have fuel in our cars, we'll continue to do our work. When we don't get fuel any more, all the associations will hold a meeting and have to decide what we should do." he said to CNI News.

Due to fuel shortage, social assistance associations have to be coordinating among them, said an official from Taungoo-based Pyit Taing Daung Social Assistance Association.

While seeing a fuel station in Yangon

" Our associations connect and carry out. That is to say, if our association has run out of fuel, we ask another association that has fuel for help so that we can carry patients." he said.

As most social associations are carrying emergency patients free of charge, if those who are responsible for patients pay for fuel or donors donate money, social assistance associations could exist any more, he said.

" If a patient was poor, we would carry the patient free of charge. If a patient can afford it, they pay for the fuel." he said to CNI News.

Due to fuel shortage in Taungoo Township, small businesses are finding it difficult and locals are also inconvenienced, said a battery hirer from Taungoo.

" As my business is battery hiring, we have to mainly depend on electricity. We can hire batteries only when the electricity is available. If the power fails, we don't have any fuel to start the generator." he said.

The price of 92 gasoline is 4,000 kyats per liter and the price of 95 gasoline, 4,500 kyats per liter in Taungoo at present. 

Most gas stations have been closed until the morning of 15th August due to fuel shortage in the fuel stations and it is reportedly not easy to buy fuel even at the small roadside fuel shops.

CNI News

16 August 2024

Political and military analysts are reviewing regarding what changes can happen in the Myanmar's military, politics and economy sectors after Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi's trip to Myanmar.

Mr. Wang Yi arrived in Myanmar on 14th August and discussed with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council.

At present, armed conflicts are taking place across the nation, including the China-Myanmar border and the border trade also has been suspended. 

Mr. Wang Yi was an important top official in the current Chinese government and because the Myanmar issue was related to the Chinese government, Mr. Wang Yi came to Myanmar, Col. Khun Okkar, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) told CNI News.

While Wang Yi and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing were discussing

" The Myanmar issue is important to the Chinese government. So, Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi came to Myanmar. Mr. Wang Yi is a very important person in the Chinese government. He possibly came to meet with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in the sense that he will have to come and speak for himself. After he goes back, what the SAC will announce or do must be watched. We need to watch for a few days. And then, we can know what the Chinese FM told." he said.

Mr. Wang Yi is member of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party and Foreign Minister.

Myanmar is a good neighbor, an old friend and a good friend; China strongly supports the Myanmar's independence and perpetuation of sovereignty; and it supports the SAC's implementation of the five point road map for the country's stability and development as well as preparations for a free and fair multi-party democratic general election, said Wang Yi during meeting with chairman of the SAC.

Moreover, China is seriously cooperating for Myanmar's peace and stability and opposes the attacks on towns and villages by EAOs in northern Shan State, he said. Whether the Chinese FM's visit to Myanmar had an impact on the conflict must be watched, chairman of the Arakan National Party (ANP) U Thar Tun Hla told CNI News.

" Battles are breaking out in Myanmar because the political problem could not be solved by the political means. Because the Chinese FM visited Myanmar, whether battles could be reduced or not must be watched." he said.

While Yang Yi and Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd) were discussing

China-Myanmar defense cooperation issues, Myanmar's internal affairs and issues of peace and stability in the border region were discussed as well by Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Wang Yi.

" It is a matter of prioritizing political dialogue. In principle, China doesn't support armed struggle. But in practice, they might help EAOs indirectly. Especially, not the government or foreign affairs policy but the Chinese army and Yunnan Province might help EAOs in some way or another. Politically, Wang Yi focused on the election. We have to watch within a few days how the SAC will take steps politically. The joint announcement had to be released to make it  reasonable. But in practice, it might not be like that." said Col. Khun Okkar.

After the Haigen discussion between the Three Brotherhood Alliance and the SAC's NSPNC that was planned to be held in Kunming China on 8th August was cancelled, Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun came to Myanmar.

And then, battles are severely breaking out in northern Shan State and while the people were worried the battles will reach the mainland, Mr. Wang Yi came to Myanmar and discussed with chairman of the SAC and Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd).

CNI News

16 August 2024

China opposed attacks on towns and villages by EAOs, said Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi. He said the above during meeting with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) after arriving in Myanmar on 14th August.

China strongly supports the Myanmar's independence and perpetuation of sovereignty. 

Moreover, China also supports what the SAC is carrying out the five point road map for the stability and development and making preparations in order to hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election, said Wang Yi.

" China is seriously cooperating with Myanmar for the Myanmar's peace and stability and opposes attacks on towns and villages by EAOs in northern Shan State." he said.

While the MNDAA force that attacked Lashio in northern Shan State

And then, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Mr. Wang Yi discussed matters relating to the election that would be held by the SAC, defense cooperation issues, online gambling, online scams, other financial frauds and illegal businesses.

The TNLA, the MNDAA, the AA, the BPLA, the PLA, the MDY-PDF, the KNDF, and the BNRA launched Operation-1027 on 27th October, 2023 and fought against the Myanmar Tatmadaw.

During the operation, EAOs and their allies seized control of Chin Shwe Haw, Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Phaungsai, Theinni, Monko, Kutkai, Namkham, Nansang, Mantong, Namtu, and Mong Ngor and Haigen Discussion was held by the Chinese mediation and ceased fire.

After that the TNLA, the MDY-PDF, the PLA, the BPLA and local PDFs started second part of Operation-1027 on 25th June, 2024 and controlled Lashio, Kyaukme, Nawnghkio and Thibaw in northern Shan State as well as Mogok, Momeik, Madaya, Sintku, Myingyan, Natogyi and Thabeikkyin.

While seeing Mr. Wang Yi and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

Although China planned to hold the 6th Haigen discussion because of these battles, the SAC replied to China that it would not be able to attend.

Supporters of the Myanmar Tatmadaw made objections against China during those periods, saying China was supporting EAOs that were attacking in northern Shan State.

After that, Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun came to Myanmar on 8th August and discussed with chairman of the SAC.

On 14th August, Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi came to Myanmar and discussed with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC and he said that China would provide aids to the election and opposed the EAOs that attacked northern Shan State.

CNI News

16 August 2024

He hoped that China would continue to support and help for the stability of Myanmar, said U Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd) during meeting with Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi. 

Mr. Wang Yi  arrived in Myanmar on 14th August and met with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and discussed the Myanmar issues including election.

And then in the evening that day, Mr. Wang Yi met with Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd) at the Row of Six Mansions in Naypyidaw and discussed the Myanmar issues. 

Sr-Gen Than Shwe (retd) said that he hoped China would continue to provide valuable assistance to Myanmar to protect external interference and to maintain domestic stability, reported state-owned Xinhua News Agency of China.

China has always placed the development of China-Myanmar relations at an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy, said the Chinese foreign minister. 

China is willing to work with Myanmar to achieve more tangible results in the building of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, Wang said.

"China will, as always, support Myanmar's efforts to safeguard its independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, reach domestic political reconciliation within the constitutional framework, hold national elections smoothly and restart the process of democratic transformation. China firmly opposes foreign interference and infiltration in Myanmar as well as any words and deeds that undermine Myanmar's stability and development. China will uphold the spirit of sharing weal and woe and helping each other, and be a true and good friend that the Myanmar government and people can trust and rely on." said Chinese FM.

Currently, battles are severely breaking out across Myanmar between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and EAOs and because of battles, the SAC has lost control of its Northeast Command in Lashio and many townships in northern Shan State.

Moreover, battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and opposition armed groups in Chin, Kachin, Mon, Karen, Kayah, Rakhine States, Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago and Tanintharyi Regions.

Because of the armed conflicts, rule of law, peace and stability are decreasing, and the people are suffering from a lack of security, pointed out politicians.

CNI News

15 August 2024

If there were requirements related to the election that would be held by the State Administration Council (SAC), China would help for the requirements, said Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi. 

He said the above during the meeting with chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

" China has always been supporting and encouraging peace, stability and development of Myanmar; it has always been standing with Myanmar in the international landscape as well; China will provide technical assistance regarding census-taking and help Myanmar with necessary things in relation to the election." said Mr. Wang Yi.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC, discussed necessary preparations in order to be able to hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election, the ultimate gold of the SAC, situations regarding census-taking in October this year so as to ensure the accuracy of the ballots and operating conditions to enable all parties to compete independently in accordance with the political parties registration law.

Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that the SAC would hold a general election in 2025 and hand over the State power to the winning party. 

The Union Election Commission re-imposed the Political Parties Registration Law on 31st January, 2023 and asked political parties to-register within 60 days.

And then, over 50 political parties registered at the UEC and 50 parties were allowed to register. 

However, the Arakan National Party (ANP) was refused to register. 

The National League for Democracy Party (NLD) and the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy Party (SNLD) - the two parties which usually won with the most votes - did not register.

He wanted the election in which all the stakeholders could participate, said Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi. 

Although China said that it would help the election, the National Unity Government (NUG) and the PDFs have announced that they would destroy the election without fail.