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.

CNI News

15 August 2024

China was trying to manipulate Myanmar to its liking, where there are a lot of Chinese investment, chairman of the Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) Sai Htay Aung told CNI News. 

China agreed with successive Myanmar governments to carry out its economic projects and it was creating battles to put pressure on Myanmar, he said.

" China wants to get the shortest exit towards the sea through Myanmar for its landlocked Yunnan Province. So, it tried to have it under the successive Myanmar governments. When Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who won the public support came to power, China has signed many contracts with Myanmar. But when the State Administration Council came to power, chairman of the SAC went to Russia, which China doesn't like too much. Now China has kind of controlled Myanmar with its interests in Myanmar. So, it wants to manipulate Myanmar to its liking. Recently, Bangladeshi PM Hasina has fallen. China wanna play Myanmar in that type. But because Myanmar doesn't want to play in China's playground, it is creating battles with its armed groups in order to put pressure on Myanmar, I think." said Sai Htay Aung.

While seeing the MNDAA

Political and military analysts are reviewing that China is supporting arms, drones and technologies to the Three Brotherhood (TNLA,MNDAA,AA) at the battles between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State.

However, China denied its participation from behind the Three Brotherhood Alliance and because the armed conflict breaking out along the China-Myanmar borderline adversely affect China, it wanted only the peace of Myanmar, it said during the meeting with Myanmar political parties in July.

China was trying to create a political game, making room for retired President U Thein Sein, pointed out political circles. The public was the key in deciding the future of the country, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

While seeing some trading activities

" Whatever China or Russia come and tell, it is our people who will make a decision for the future of Myanmar. We had shown since 7th July, 1962 that we didn't want the military dictatorship. We have already waged so many battles. We lost again and again, but we continued to fight again and again. Now our people have been decisive to root out this army (Myanmar Tatmadaw). The current revolution is full of hope. We will continue to do what we have to do whatever China or Russia come and tell. We may not listen to them. Our people will go on fighting to end the military dictatorship." she said.

China has influence over some ethnic armed organizations within Myanmar and it was trying to have influence over the SAC as well, reviewed domestic political circles. 

There are a lot of Chinese investments including Myitsone Dam Project, Kyauk Phyu Deepwater Port Project and Special Economic Zone in Myanmar.

CNI News
14 August 2024

The news that Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe, secretary of the State Administration Council (SAC), arrested chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and staged a coup d'état was just a fabricated story, reported the Information Team of the SAC on 14th August.

'We Love Zin Yaw' Facebook Account described on the night of 13th August that Aung Lin Dwe (DSA 27) detained Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing (origin-Ma Ah La).

" Those who want to disrupt the country's peace and stability broadcast untrue rumors in collaboration with fake accounts and subversive media as propaganda. Current pieces of news on social networks were broadcast by Captain Seagull Facebook Account at about 8:00 pm on 12th August. And then, not only fake Facebook Accounts of the traitors local and abroad but also subversive media distributed the rumor vigorously to make the public worry. Head of State and top officials are carrying out national duties hand in hand." said in the statement.

Because of untrue news of the coup, the price of gold rose by more than one lakh kyats. Moreover, the fabricated news coincided with the Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi's trip to Myanmar in which he would meet with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC on 14th August.

CNI News

14 August 2024

Questions are emerging among domestic political and military analysts regarding how territorial disputes between Rakhine armed groups and Chin armed groups in many parts of Chin State will be resolved.  

More arguments arose when the Arakan Army (AA) captured Paletwa Township in Chin State in January, 2024. 

The dispute has been taking place for a long time and if it was resolved by arms, it would not be convenient, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

" The dispute has been taking place for a long time . Paletwa was included in Rakhine State in the past. But later, Paletwa was included in Chin State after Myanmar gained her independence. Moreover, military governments caused dissension. Because the union unity was built by the way causing dissension, it's no wonder there's no unity between them. When those who cause dissension are no more, the problem must be solved by negotiating between our ethnic groups. There is bad blood between Kachin and Shanni,as well as between Kachin and Rawang. They were divided and ruled as well. It's also partly because of the historical background. When those who try to cause dissension are no more, negotiation and discussion must be conducted at the roundtable among our ethnic groups. If they solve it by arms, the civil war will never end. But younger leaders are cleverer. I believe they will be able to solve the problem." he said.

The Arakan Army (AA) is providing military assistance to the Chin Brotherhood Alliance that is made up of armed groups in Chin State and they waged joint military operations in Chin State. 

While seeing Hakha City, Chin State

Moreover, battles broke out between the AA/the Chin Brotherhood Alliance joint forces and the Chin National Front (CNF/CNA). 

And then, the CNF arrested two troops of the AA who were on military duty to collect a list of injured troops after the battle that captured Matupi and the CNF forced the two AA troops to make false testimony regarding narcotic drugs and security issues, stated the Chin Brotherhood Alliance on 3rd August.

The AA and the Chin Brotherhood Alliance were jointly waging battles against the Myanmar Tatmadaw while the CNF waged battles by reason of Chin ethnic interests, U Myo Kyaw from the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) told CNI News.

" Although the CNF is taking part in revolutionary movements, I think we should ask the CNF if it is really willing to root out the military dictatorship. The CNF has existed as a revolutionary organization for a long time . it signed ceasefire agreements with the government in the past. And then, it is included in the NUG government, a revolutionary organization. When the CNF collaborates with the AA and the PDFs, the CNF seems to put the Chin race in the forefront." he said.

While arms conflicts are severely taking place across the country, more territorial disputes and administration struggles have emerged. There are urges to resolve these issues through meeting and discussion.

CNI News
13 August 2024

The Chinese government has planned to send its Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi to Myanmar, stated the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Wang Yi will come to Myanmar within a few days to come and he will likely meet with chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, said those close to the Chinese Embassy.

" This trip of Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi aims at deepening bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, cementing the close bond of friendship between the two peoples, and advancing the building of the China-Myanmar community with a shared future. As a friend and neighbor of Myanmar, China strictly comply with the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, supports Myanmar’s effort to uphold stability, grow the economy and improve people’s livelihood, and provides constructive help for parties in Myanmar to properly address differences through political consultation within the framework of the constitution and other laws." said spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Mr. Wang Yi is to attend the Ninth Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that will be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand on 16 August 2024 and during the trip, he has reportedly planned to visit Myanmar.

A few days ago, the Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun came to Myanmar and discussed with chairman of the State Administration Council Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing about matters relating to the election, peace and stability of border areas.

Currently, battles are severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the armed groups which are under the Chinese influence in northern Shan State and Mandalay Region.

CNI News

13 August 2024

Although workers were needed in Thailand, it was difficult for the undocumented workers to get jobs, those who are helping in the issues of workers told CNI News. 

The current period is the tourist season and other industries need workers as well. So, there are plenty of jobs for those with credentials. 

However, undocumented workers were finding it difficult to get jobs, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

"There are plenty of jobs for those with credentials. Especially, at a time like this of the year, the tourist season has started. Fishery needs workers as well. You can say that jobs are plentiful at this period. But undocumented people coming from Myanmar for many reasons find it difficult. They can't work. If they work, because it's illegal, they can be arrested at any time. Most employers don't hire undocumented people." he said.

Moreover, as documented workers, their employers designation and kinds of jobs must be matched.

And the jobs that are designated for migrant workers must be done. So, it is difficult to change jobs. 

While seeing migrant workers

Although the Thai authorities have said that a Pink ID Card would be issued for foreign recruits, nothing about it has been released up to now. 

So, Myanmar migrant workers are still waiting to get documents, said U Aung Kyaw from the Labor Rights Foundation (LRF) told CNI News.

" According to the current situation, Thailand has announced its policies for its security. During its 120-day campaign, it is thoroughly searching for illegal workers from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos and arresting them. On the other hand, the Thai Ministry of Labor stated on 6th July that workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, who have arrived in Thailand for various reasons would be issued residence and work permits. But no further announcements have been made yet. Those who want to get the permits are systematically waiting from the houses and apartments." he said.

After the political change took place in Myanmar starting from 1st February, 2021, many Myanmar nationals arrived in Thailand for various reasons. 

Moreover, because the Thai government announced that it would issue residence and work permits to foreigners, many more Myanmar citizens reportedly came to Thailand.

Moreover, the Thai authorities are arresting undocumented foreigners under a plan and among over 100,000 foreigners who were arrested, Myanmar citizens were the most.

CNI News

13 August 2024

Many Myanmar citizens who were detained in the detainee camps in Malaysia didn't want to come back to Myanmar, those helping in the issues of Myanmar citizens told CNI News. 

The number of Myanmar nationals who have been arrested is large. However, when the Myanmar Embassy came and asked the detainees if they wanted to go home, many of them didn't want to go home, U Barbu Gyi, a person who is helping in the issues of Myanmar citizens in Malaysia, told CNI News.

" I had to know that because the Malaysian officials from the detainee camps told me. The number of Myanmar detainees in a detainee camp who have refused to go back to Myanmar is at least 300. There are many detainee camps in Malaysia. In fact, Myanmar detainees don't dare to go home because of a bad situation in Myanmar. So, they have refused to go home. As long as they refuse to go home, they will be in the detainee camps. There are some human rights in Malaysia. If they didn't agree to go home, the Malaysian authorities wouldn't forcibly send them back." he said.

While seeing job seeker agencies

Although the Malaysian authorities have allowed undocumented foreigners to go home, the number of undocumented foreigners who go home is reportedly very few.

Most Myanmar citizens who have already arrived in Malaysia made work permits through agents and many of them have got fake permits; the Malaysian authorities were arresting more because they wanted to reduce the number of undocumented foreigners, said U Nyi Nyi Lwin, director general of the Center for Arakan Refugees (CAR) told CNI News.

" The current government has a plan that will make illegal workers die out within three years and then the number of foreign workers will be reduced. So, there are so many arrests. An employer has to take his workers out from the detainee camp within 24 hours. If they were three or four days late to take their workers out, the authorities would be very angry. The address of the workplace has been described on the permit. If a worker's workplace is different from that on the permit, he will be arrested with violation of the law. But largely, if he pay 1,000 Ringgit as a fine, he will be released." he said.

While seeing migrant workers who have arrived in Malaysia

A few days ago, officials from the Malaysian immigration department met with the Myanmar Ambassador and discussed matters relating to sending Myanmar detainees back to Myanmar, social and healthcare of Myanmar detainees.

Although the Malaysian authorities issued work permits through employers, workers who don't have employers took work permits through agents.

Workers who took work permits through agents - when they were arrested, because their workplaces were different from those in their work permits, they were sent back to their native countries.