CNI News

June 16, 2026

Businessmen and politicians point out that it will be difficult to eradicate bribery and corruption in Myanmar unless the country's political and socioeconomic conditions can be stabilized.

Politicians and the public highlight that the difficulty in eliminating bribery and corruption in Myanmar stems from deep-rooted corrupt systems spanning decades, abuse of power, and weaknesses in the rule of law.

Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that Myanmar is currently experiencing a civil war, and inflation is inevitable due to military expenditures. He noted that while bribery and corruption can be reduced, they cannot be entirely eradicated.

"These [acts of bribery] are just the branches and leaves. In reality, there is a main taproot. Corruption will only be eradicated when that main taproot is cut. We have been fighting corruption for ages, but it cannot be totally suppressed. In fact, it has only worsened. It depends on how well a government can control this inflation. Corruption will only decrease when inflation is controlled and a civil servant's salary holds value and is sustainable.
The challenge is that during the current civil war, inflation is unavoidable due to military spending. The state government would have to handle things very cleverly and tactfully to control this inflation. It is difficult to control inflation with military expenses during wartime. If money has no value, corruption will persist. We should also look at how lower-level civil servants are surviving. Therefore, they will find ways to get money, by hook or by crook. Essentially, I want to say that it depends on how the government's budget and monetary policies work. No [anti-corruption] organization is needed. People will just bribe the scrutiny committee so they won't investigate. Those committees are useless. It's pointless to form them. First of all, bribery will never disappear; it is difficult for Myanmar to eradicate it completely. We can only reduce it. How can this government revive a state machinery that is heavily dysfunctional?" Dr. Aung Myo said.

During the Union Government meeting.

Political analysts also point out that corruption has grown because bribing has become normalized as a mundane matter to ensure tasks run smoothly and quickly in government offices. Additionally, those with power and authority have opportunities to use their positions for personal gain.

Furthermore, it is pointed out that although Bribery Eradication Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws exist, their implementation lacks effectiveness in practice. It is also difficult to open cases and take action if complaints lack solid evidence.

Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that because Myanmar enforces tens of thousands of rules and regulations, the public cannot tolerate the resulting delays. Wanting their matters resolved quickly, they resort to paying bribes.

"When additional regulatory bodies are formed to control bribery, people end up bribing those regulatory bodies as well. Managing the group that is supposed to manage others becomes a compounding problem. Regarding why corruption happens, some cases involve taking small bribes of 5,000 or 10,000 Kyats just for survival. The government itself must solve these issues. What I mean is, the government must ensure that civil servants' salaries align with the current era, allowing them to live with dignity—not just to barely eat and drink, but to reach a comfortable living standard. Only then will the factors driving corruption be eliminated. True high-level corruption that amasses immense wealth can only be done by those with executive authority. Therefore, taking action against those who actually hold high ranks and power would create better momentum [for anti-corruption efforts]," he said.

Minister for Commerce U Tun Ohn.

U Htet Aung Kyaw further suggested that instead of telling businessmen not to give bribes, the government should eliminate bribery by making business procedures easy and fast.

"Instead of telling businessmen 'Do not give bribes,' we must look at whether an environment has been created where their business operations can be carried out easily, smoothly, and quickly. When tens of thousands of rules and regulations are imposed, forcing people to get signatures at this desk and that desk, it wastes time. Unable to bear the delays, they pay money to speed things up. These are issues that have been happening for a lifetime," he added.

President U Min Aung Hlaing stated during a Union Government meeting held on June 9, 2026, that business people should not ruin security personnel and civil servants by offering them bribes for their own business interests.

CNI News

June 16, 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for talks on the morning of June 16, 2026, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Prior to the meeting, the Chinese honor guard welcomed President U Min Aung Hlaing with a 21-gun salute.

Following the ceremony, the delegations led by the presidents of both countries held bilateral discussions.

CNI News

June 15, 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing, who embarked on a visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, arrived in Beijing, China, on June 15, 2026.

President U Min Aung Hlaing arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport at 2:00 PM on June 15.

Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by officials from the Chinese government along with a guard of honor.

President U Min Aung Hlaing's visit to China will take place from June 15 to June 19.

During the SAC (State Administration Council) government era, U Min Aung Hlaing also visited China as Acting President from August 30 to September 3, 2025, where he met and held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Vice President, and Premier Li Qiang.

CNI News 

June 15, 2026 

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing commenced an official visit to China on June 15, 2026.

It is understood that the visit will last until June 19.

During the SAC (State Administration Council) government administration, U Min Aung Hlaing previously visited China as Acting President from August 30 to September 3, 2025, during which he held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Vice President, and Premier Li Qiang.

CNI News

13 June 2026

Although the third parliamentary session resumed in the first week of June and members of parliament (MPs) are already working across regions and states, lawmakers and political analysts point out that the government branch needs to work in sync with the parliament.

U Nyo Ohn Myint, an advisor to the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank, told CNI News that since MPs are currently asking questions that are genuinely useful for the public during this parliamentary term, the legislature is already doing its job. Therefore, the government must also step up and work in alignment with parliament.

"For instance, USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party) MPs are asking questions. The vocabulary and phrasing they use might be a bit formal and protocol-driven, though. Even if they don’t explicitly say, 'Do you have the will to amend this or not? The public is telling you about this issue, so the Union Government should handle it,' their words carry exactly that meaning. I’ve never been an MP myself, so I wouldn’t know firsthand. However, it is constructive. No matter what, parliament is already doing its job. Now, it’s the government side that needs to work," he said.

A session of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament) in progress

While representatives in the Regional and State Hluttaws, Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament), Amyotha Hluttaw (House of Nationalities), and Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives) are actively asking questions regarding beneficial projects for the public, ministries have failed to provide definitive answers. This lack of clear responses has left the public feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.

Critics point out that some questions related to state policies are simply brushed aside with replies stating that the policy "will remain in place," effectively turning a blind eye to the will of the people.

Regarding this situation, U Kyaw Min Htet, an MP from the People's Pioneer Party (PPP), told CNI News that lawmakers need to take their queries a step further by submitting formal motions of urge to secure a parliamentary vote and approval, rather than just leaving them as standard questions.

"Let's say a question is asked regarding a policy matter. If the lawmaker who raised the question is not satisfied with the response, they can take it to the next level and submit a motion of urge. If an MP is unsatisfied, wants to change a policy, or wants to see a specific matter pursued, they can introduce a motion of urge as a second step. If that motion passes by a majority vote in parliament, the respective government has a duty to comply with it. Therefore, if lawmakers are unsatisfied with the answers, they will need to submit a motion of urge as a next step. Ultimately, whether to submit a motion or not is the decision of the respective lawmaker," he said.

President Min Aung Hlaing seen at the Union Cabinet meeting on June 9, 2026

Because politics must be practiced based on patience and broad-mindedness, lawmakers themselves must remain patient and magnanimous to ensure that the voices of the people can be widely and effectively amplified within parliament.

Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai-Leng (Red Shan) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that since some questions asked by MPs relate to state-issued policies, the government needs to conduct field inspections to evaluate whether these policies genuinely benefit the public. Following such evaluations, the government should either repeal or amend the policies.

"Take the current 'Even/Odd' matter (a regulation restricting vehicles to driving only on designated days based on license plate numbers) as an example. Lawmakers are taking the public's voice as the voice of parliament and bringing those public grievances into the legislature. The government has the full authority to set policies. However, before they implement them, they should consider how it will affect the public. Furthermore, after a policy is set, they must review whether it brings positive or negative consequences to the people.If it's beneficial, keep it. But if it causes negative impacts and the MPs who represent the public start speaking out about it, I believe the government should conduct ground surveys and then repeal what needs to be repealed and amend what needs to be amended. In their responses, they just end the matter by saying, 'Since it is a state policy, it will remain in place.' Even if it is a state policy, it is ultimately a directive. I want to emphasize that ministers must answer the voice of parliament with respect.Since parliament and the government are just starting to work together again, there might be gaps. However, the government side also needs to be patient and open-minded in politics. If they operate with that approach, I believe that one day, public representatives will be able to speak up much more frequently for the people inside parliament," he said.

Amidst these discussions, State President U Min Aung Hlaing spoke during a Union Government Cabinet meeting on June 9, 2026. He noted that while the difficulties faced by citizens must be resolved in accordance with prescribed laws and procedures, care must taken to avoid creating unnecessary burdens for the public. He added that officials must thoroughly understand the legal procedures and collaborate to implement them effectively.

CNI News

13 June 2026

As the government led by President Min Aung Hlaing implements peace processes in Myanmar, lawmakers and political analysts are weighing in on how the parliament (Hluttaw) can participate in these initiatives.

On June 10, 2026, during the fifth day of the second regular session of the third Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives), the Border Areas, Ethnic Affairs, and Peace Committee was formed.

This peace committee is composed of 15 members, including U Soe Tint Naing from the Magway constituency as Chairman, and U Ye Htut Aung from the Minhla constituency as Secretary.

The Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw seen alongside MPs from the SNDP

Dr. Kyaw Swe, a Pyithu Hluttaw MP from the National Unity Party, told CNI News that the formation of the peace committee in parliament aims to constitutionally guarantee the common agreements reached at peace conferences. He noted that its role is to oversee the government’s peace initiatives rather than to directly meet and negotiate with ethnic armed organizations.

"The parliamentary track is designed to closely study and connect with peace organizations, reinforce the government's peace-building efforts, and ensure parliamentary recognition. The current peace-making committees are already operational. We have previously held the Union Peace Conference and the Panglong Conference. There are common agreements that emerged from those conferences, recorded as the 'Union Accords,' which consist of over 30 points. We will work to integrate these into sections under the constitution. Therefore, the common agreements from all ethnic armed organizations at the Union Peace Conference and Panglong Conference will be incorporated into the constitution. Necessary constitutional amendments will be made, and studies on constitutional reform are already underway. The goal is to ensure that the points already agreed upon at the peace conference receive constitutional guarantees. We will review and analyze the government's peace policies. Another aspect is studying how armed peace processes have been handled internationally. Our committee audits the government's actions. So, we are working to enable parliament to recognize and support the government's peace-building activities," he said.

Political analysts point out that because parliament is an institution representing the public, its role must absolutely be considered within the peace processes.

Sai Kyaw Hla, a Pyithu Hluttaw MP from the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) and a member of the peace committee, told CNI News that the core idea is for all ethnic nationalities to collaboratively foster peace in unity. However, the specific objectives and actions of the committee have not yet been discussed in detail.

"The main idea is for all ethnic people to collectively build peace in unity. Our committee members haven't met collectively yet. We have scheduled a meeting for all of us after the current parliamentary session finishes, once everyone has been introduced. Only after that meeting will the specific objectives be laid out," he said.

A view of the Pyithu Hluttaw

Sai Kaung Thet San, another Pyithu Hluttaw MP from the SNDP, told CNI News that the current peace committee's objective will likely progress in a format that focuses on mediation and offering recommendations for peace initiatives.

"In the country's current situation, if we want to reform and build a positive momentum, we need internal conflicts to cease and to achieve peace. We cannot achieve regional and national development while regional instability and internal conflicts persist. Therefore, because peace comes first, I understand that parliament had to move forward with forming this committee. This will depend on the efforts of the committee members. For instance, a Karen State MP knows the situation in Karen State best. They understand the movements and attitudes of the organizations in their region best. I believe we will coordinate and work by discussing these matters along with our committee's opinions and suggestions. Ultimately, I believe the committee will operate in a capacity of mediation and recommendation," he said.

Lawmakers emphasized that if the role of parliament is omitted from the peace process, unnecessary disputes could arise when agreements and proposed constitutional amendments finally reach the legislative body. Therefore, they argue that integrating parliament’s role into the peace process is essential.

CNI News

13 June 2026

Military and political analysts point out that to resolve the ongoing armed and ethnic conflicts in Myanmar, the government should grant peace to armed organizations that genuinely desire it.

The reasons why ethnic groups have taken up arms are not to secede from the country, but rather due to the lack of political guarantees to achieve equality, self-determination, and federal democracy. Their goal is to fully secure the rights of their respective regions and ethnic groups.

Political analysts also emphasize that to achieve internal peace, genuine dialogue must be held between the government and peace-seeking armed groups. Stopping violence and building solidarity between the government and ethnic forces is the only way to establish sustainable, long-term peace.

Armed forces seen

Dr. Kyaw Swe, a Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives) MP, told CNI News that taking the path of peace supports regional development much more than holding onto weapons.

"Since there is a gap between what the ethnic groups demand and what the Union Government can currently provide, they came to believe that they can only secure their rights by demonstrating their strength. That is why they took up arms. Once they did, they came to experience the power of holding weapons. There is a small faction that opposes peace, but it is minor.The Union Government and the majority of current MPs have the will to amend and ratify the constitution to guarantee the points and data demanded by ethnic groups. Similarly, we want ethnic organizations to look out for their own people and realize that choosing peace brings much faster development than holding arms. If they realize this, I believe we can easily regain peace. We want them to know that peace supports regional development much more than war," he said.

Analysts note that instead of pressuring or demanding the surrender of ethnic armed groups, both sides must engage in serious discussions based on political equality. The government side must be able to guarantee self-determination, equality, and justice—which are the demands of the ethnic groups—and peace processes should be conducted transparently, based on democracy and human rights desired by the people.

Armed forces seen

Daw Saw Mra Raza Linn, Chairwoman of the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), told CNI News that ongoing military conflicts present massive challenges for the country, which is why they are pushing to resolve these issues at the negotiation table.

"It is extremely difficult for a country at war to develop. In every single region where conflict occurs, everyone faces hardships. Money earned has to be spent on the military, there is widespread destruction of homes, and the public suffers immensely. War happens because of widespread dissatisfaction. If we want to extinguish the flames of war, we must talk about peace. If the country becomes peaceful, I see that a lot can be done to develop various regions.Therefore, we are striving with all our might to reach a point where armed conflicts can be resolved at the negotiation table for national development and peace. No country develops while fighting. We can see countries that have developed right before our eyes; they developed precisely because their wars ended. That is why, because ongoing military conflict poses a great deal of difficulty for national regions, we are pushing to resolve it at the table," she said.

Currently, armed groups in Myanmar have become more numerous than during U Thein Sein's administration. Furthermore, they are actively engaging in various business interests within their controlled areas, including tax collection, resource and mineral extraction, weapons trading, and drug trafficking.

To date, a definitive method or solution to reduce and eliminate the armed forces existing in Myanmar has not yet been found.

However, some armed organizations wish to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and state/regional bilateral agreements to achieve peace with the government and cooperate for regional stability and development. Yet, they face rejections and are turned away by the government and the military.

Military and political analysts point out that if the government and military maintain this stance, it could push peace-seeking groups into the camps of war-mongering armed forces. Therefore, the government should grant peace to those armed groups that truly desire it.

CNI News 

13 June 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing attended the first national-level monsoon tree-planting festival of 2026.

The tree-planting festival was held in Nay Pyi Taw on June 13, 2026.

CNI News 

June 12, 2026

The Tai-Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) issued a statement on June 11, 2026, demanding the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) halt its objective to attack Shwegu Town.

The TNDP statement strongly objected to and condemned an announcement dated June 8 by the KIA’s Battalion 12. The KIA’s announcement stated that the main entrance road to Shwegu and the entire Nga Oh-Shwegu highway would be closed indefinitely starting June 8, 2026, and urged all residents inside Shwegu to evacuate and flee the town.

The TNDP statement noted: "We urge the KIA to halt its objective to attack Shwegu Town and to completely cease launching aggressive battles in other regions as well. We hereby issue this position statement to warn that if the KIA’s aggression leads to ethnic conflict, the KIO/KIA will bear sole responsibility."

The TNDP further stated that the town-capture battles led by the KIA in Sagaing Region—covering Kawlin, Pinlebu, Htigyaing, Indaw, Banmauk, and Katha towns—as well as in Kachin State—covering Mansi, Momauk, and Bhamo towns—have resulted in the loss of civilian lives and property, leaving people homeless.

Consequently, civilians forced to flee these towns due to the KIA's town-capture operations face forced recruitment by the KIA-PDF along their journey, and are struggling severely to survive in unfamiliar territories. The TNDP statement added that the KIA’s town-capture battles are akin to pushing the civilian population into a sea of suffering.

Meanwhile, KIA leader Lieutenant General Gun Maw has previously stated that they must fight the enemy from positions within the Sagaing Region to secure the gateway to their home in Kachin State. He noted that through the "Three Ks" (Kanbalu, Kawlin, Katha) operation in Sagaing, they are striving for the liberation of northwestern Myanmar.

Military and political analysts have pointed out that the towns targeted by the KIA for its town-capture operations are predominantly inhabited by the Shanni ethnic group, whereas the KIA has not executed town-capture operations in towns inhabited by ethnic Kachin people.