CNI News
13 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission) met with leaders from China, Russia, North Korea, India, and other countries during gatherings in China, and political analysts are debating whether this could be an opportunity for Myanmar.

During his trip to China from August 31 to September 3, the Chairman held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

He also met Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, Indonesian President Prabowo, the ASEAN Secretary-General, Kazakh President, and other world leaders.

Although these meetings could bring certain opportunities, they are not expected to result in major breakthroughs yet, said U Khun Sai, who is involved in peace-related activities, speaking to CNI News.

Meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

“Although Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was invited, it doesn’t mean he was given extra special attention. Still, Myanmar is undeniably important for China as its gateway to the Indian Ocean, so in one way or another, China will always value it. Min Aung Hlaing, in turn, seems to be working hard to make the most out of this for his own benefit. But ultimately, what he needs to do is ensure that the election is held. If he can make that happen, he could gain more support.Another strong point for him is that he continues to stand on the Three Main National Causes established since Senior General Than Shwe’s time, which he has officially declared. For neighboring countries, this represents a stable stance they can rely on. On the other hand, the opposition has not declared such a position, and that is a weakness. So, they will need to work on turning weaknesses into strengths.”, he explained.

From August 31 to September 1, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China as one of Myanmar’s leaders.

On September 3, he joined the military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan and the global war against fascism, where he also met with other world leaders.

U Thein Tun Oo, Executive Director of the Thayninga Institute of Strategic Studies Group, told CNI News that this situation could allow Myanmar to become more active and significant in the new international order.

Meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

“In Beijing, the focus was on uniting regional and neighboring countries. The problem is that after Donald Trump came to power in the United States, new tariffs and restrictions were imposed on other countries. That led many to feel that the U.S. was deliberately pressuring them. Some of these countries refused to accept such pressure and started seeking collective answers to how they could cooperate more closely on the world stage.
With such cooperation growing stronger, Myanmar will also benefit in the future by improving its relations with other countries. Another key point is Myanmar’s international image. In the past, ‘international stage’ usually referred only to Western Europe and North America. But now a new global stage is emerging. On that new stage, Myanmar could be more active and play a more significant role.”, he said.

It is learned that countries including China, India, and Laos expressed their support for the upcoming Myanmar elections during this trip. Myanmar also discussed joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a member state and signed agreements on China-Myanmar-India economic cooperation.

Talks included: Restoration of the Ledo Road, Restarting the Myitsone hydropower project, Purchasing electricity from Laos, Reviving China-Myanmar border trade India-Myanmar mineral extraction cooperation, Strengthening security cooperation.

CNI News

12 September 2025

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, Chairperson of Yangon Watch Group, told CNI News that if the number of political parties competing at the union level in the upcoming general election in Myanmar is low, it will be difficult to gain international recognition.

Myanmar is scheduled to hold a general election on December 28, 2025. Nine political parties had registered to compete nationwide. However, the Union Election Commission (UEC) announced on September 9, 2025, that four of those parties were dissolved for not meeting the required number of 50,000 members and for not opening 110 party offices.

The dissolved parties are the National Democratic Force (NDF), the Democratic Party of National Politics (DNP), the Women's Party (Mon), and the Union Farmers and Workers Force Party. Among these four parties, the NDF, DNP, and Women's Party (Mon) were registered to compete nationwide.

"If you talk about a multiparty democracy and there are only three or four parties that can compete at the union level, it's very difficult for the international community to recognize it," said Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin of Yangon Watch Group.

The UEC's dissolution announcement for four political parties.

She continued, "The officials at the UEC, as well as political leaders and state leaders, should seriously consider this issue. If there are only three or four parties that can compete at the union level, it will be very difficult for the international community to recognize it. Therefore, state leaders and UEC officials should reconsider. If you talk about a multiparty democracy, there should be at least 10 major parties competing at the union level. If more parties are dissolved for not having enough candidates, there won't be more than three or four parties left to compete in this election. From the perspective of international observers, this doesn't look good."

On August 20, the UEC issued a directive for political parties to submit proof of having met the required number of party members and offices by September 7, 2025, in accordance with subsections 5(c) and 5(g) of the Political Parties Registration Law.

Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin told CNI News that the UEC's laws are too strict given the current political situation.

Political parties

"The UEC's laws regarding these parties are too strict given the current political situation. In reality, the country's situation doesn't allow political parties to open offices. Landlords are afraid to rent their rooms to political parties due to security concerns. So, it is very difficult to get 110 offices. For example, parties like the National Unity Party (NUP) and the USDP don't have this problem because they have had offices for a long time. The political parties have consistently requested the UEC to relax the rules for new parties. If they don't get enough candidates, there are still more political parties that could be dissolved. The UEC should give them more time. The political parties should also unite and collectively appeal to the Election Commission on this matter," she said.

Out of the nine parties that registered to compete nationwide in the December 28, 2025 election, only six remain. The remaining parties are the USDP, led by U Khin Yee; the PPP, led by Dr. Thet Thet Khine; the PP, led by U Ko Ko Gyi; the SNDP, led by Sai Aik Paung; the MFDP, led by U Kyaw Swar Soe; and the NUP.

CNI News

12 September 2025

Myanmar is planning to hold the first phase of the general election on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships.

Out of nine political parties registered to contest across the entire Union, the Union Election Commission (UEC) dissolved three parties on September 9, 2025, for failing to meet the specified requirements.

In addition, the UEC told the CNI news agency that any political party intending to compete Union-wide will be dissolved if it fails to contest in 417 constituencies.

Q: Since the election is being held in Phase 1, during the period of Phase 1, how many candidates must a Union-level party submit out of the 417 total candidates to be eligible to contest?

A: Political parties intending to contest across the entire Union in the upcoming election must submit a list of candidates not only for the 102 townships announced for Phase 1 but also for all 833 constituencies of the Pyithu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw, and Region/State Hluttaws, as announced by the commission on August 18, 2025.

According to Section 12(a)(1) of the Political Parties Registration Law, a party that aims to operate Union-wide must contest in at least half of all constituencies for all Hluttaws.

Q: When you say a Union-level party must submit candidates for half of all constituencies, does that mean half of the 330 townships or half of the constituencies in the 102 townships for Phase 1?

A: According to Section 12(a)(1) of the Political Parties Registration Law, a party that aims to operate Union-wide must contest in at least half of all constituencies of the Pyithu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw, and Region or State Hluttaw (including ethnic affairs constituencies). It does not mean half of the constituencies in the 102 townships for Phase 1.

Q: What will happen to a political party competing Union-wide if it fails to submit 417 candidates within the UEC’s deadline? For example, will the party be dissolved, or will it be banned from contesting the election?

A: According to Section 12(a)(1) of the Political Parties Registration Law, a party that aims to operate Union-wide must contest in 417 constituencies, which is half of all constituencies of the Pyithu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw, and Region or State Hluttaw (including ethnic affairs constituencies). If it fails to contest as required, it will not be allowed to continue as a political party and will be dissolved.

Q: There are criticisms that the candidate qualification requirements and restrictions are incompatible with a democratic system as they restrict the freedom to contest. What is your view on this?

A: The representatives elected to the Hluttaw are individuals who will be performing legislative duties for the state and the respective Regions/States within the Hluttaw. It is necessary for these individuals to be qualified. They must be capable of working for the benefit of the people and the public. The Union Election Commission will act in accordance with the law to ensure that qualified Hluttaw representatives can enter the Hluttaw.

Q: My final question is: The election being prepared in Myanmar is said to be a step towards a multiparty democratic system. However, there are also criticisms that the UEC’s requirements and restrictions are designed to prevent the emergence of many parties. Are there any plans for the UEC and political parties to discuss and resolve these issues?

A: To make it easier for political parties to establish and register, the Political Parties Registration Law and its bylaws were amended, and the requirements were relaxed.

There are currently 57 existing political parties, and all of them must comply with the provisions of the Political Parties Registration Law, its bylaws, and the relevant Hluttaw election laws and bylaws. The commission meets with political parties from time to time and resolves their submissions in accordance with the law.

CNI News

12 September 2025

Brigade 972 of the Shanni Nationalities Unity Council (SNUC)/Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) held a graduation ceremony for a military training course attended by 500 trainees.

The graduation ceremony for SNA Brigade 972's Basic Military Training Course No. 1, Batch 13/2025, was held on September 11, 2025, in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region.

CNI News

11 September 2025

China will not permit the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) to become stronger than it already is, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China–Myanmar affairs analyst, told CNI News.

She explained that the KIA, as an armed group operating in Kachin State, is geographically limited and will focus mainly on Kachin regional affairs. Because of its proximity to China, it would not be easy for the KIA to further strengthen itself.

“China has made it very clear already. It told the Wa and the Kokang not to support the KIA. So the KIA will have to survive and strengthen itself on its own. It will keep working to consolidate and entrench itself in its territory. But I don’t think it can go much further than that. The KIA can only focus on becoming strong and stable in Kachin State. China will not allow it to expand beyond that. Although China doesn’t have as much influence over the KIA as it does over the Wa or Kokang, the KIA territory borders China. Trade and all other activities are interconnected there, so there will naturally be some limited support. But making the KIA significantly stronger is not easy. They will have to focus on consolidating power in the area they already control. The KIA’s main struggle will remain centered on the Kachin State—pursuing federalism and self-determination.”, said Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw.

KIA Deputy Commander-in-Chief Gun Maw meeting Chin Brotherhood leaders in Laiza

During July and August 2025, the KIA headquarters hosted meetings with Spring Revolution forces including the Chin Brotherhood (CB), the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), the Yaw Army, Myingyan PDF, NUG ministers, and Naga armed groups.

The KIA has also been providing training, weapons and ammunition, and shelter to revolutionary forces, and has supported joint operations in Sagaing Region and Kachin State.

At a time when three northern alliances are weakened under Chinese pressure, the KIA could become an increasingly central unifying force, said Colonel Khun Okka, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), speaking to CNI News.

KIA Deputy Commander-in-Chief Gun Maw meeting Yaw Army leaders in Laiza

“The KIA is a veteran organization with much experience. It has capable leaders. While it is fighting on the ground, at the same time it manages alliances, international relations, connections with Western countries, Europe, China, and Japan. It is an organization that can handle these matters effectively. That’s why the KIA doesn’t make extreme decisions—it maintains balance. This reflects its political maturity and prudence. So, at this time when northern groups are weak, the KIA could slowly become the main unifying force.”, he explained.

Sources close to the matter say that the KIA headquarters is currently hosting groups such as the Arakan Army (AA), Naga armed groups (ENDA/ENNO), NUG, NUCC, CNF, ABSDF, and PDF forces.

The KIA is also said to be in negotiations to meet with the Myanmar Tatmadaw. At the same time, with the election approaching, the KIA is gathering Spring Revolution forces and preparing both militarily and politically for the country’s shifting political landscape, according to those familiar with the situation.

CNI News

11 September 2025

In preparation for the upcoming election in Myanmar, the Union Election Commission (UEC) announced on September 9, 2025, that four political parties—including the National Democratic Force (NDF), from which Daw Sandar Min, who left the National League for Democracy (NLD), planned to contest—have been dissolved.

Among the four dissolved parties, three were registered to contest nationwide, while one was registered to contest only in a single state or region.

The parties are: the National Democratic Force (NDF), the Democratic Party of National Politics (DNP), the Women’s Party (Mon)—all three of which were nationwide parties, and the Union Farmers and Workers Force Party, which was limited to contesting in only one state/region.

The NDF was led by Daw Sandar Min, U Htet Aung Kyaw, and Dr. Myo Set Thway. The DNP was led by former Presidential Office Minister, Lt. Gen. (retired) Soe Maung.

According to the UEC, the parties were dissolved due to failing to meet the required minimum number of party members and the required number of party offices.

The Union Election Commission had previously announced on August 20 that, under Sections 5 (f) and (g) of the Political Parties Registration Law, all political parties must ensure compliance with the required number of members and party offices and submit proof to the Commission by September 7, 2025.

As of the deadline, the NDF failed to meet the minimum number of members as required under Section 5(f), while the DNP, the Women’s Party (Mon), and the Union Farmers and Workers Force Party failed to meet the required number of party offices under Section 5(g). As a result, these four parties were dissolved under Section 12(a)(9) and (10) of the law.

Therefore, out of the nine parties that had registered to contest nationwide in the general election on December 28, 2025, only six remain.

The remaining nationwide parties are: the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) led by U Khin Yi, the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP) led by Dr. Thet Thet Khine, the People’s Party (PP) led by U Ko Ko Gyi, the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) led by Sai Aik Paung, the Myanmar Farmers Development Party (MFDP) led by U Kyaw Swar Soe, and the National Unity Party (NUP).

CNI News

11 September 2025

For the upcoming general election in Myanmar, the Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), also known as the White Tiger Party, plans to support each of its candidates with 500,000 kyats, by using bank loans as well as personal funds, according to the party chairman Sai Ai Pao.

The SNDP, widely referred to as the White Tiger Party, has registered to contest nationwide.

As such, the party needs to open offices in 110 out of Myanmar’s 330 townships and field more than 400 candidates. Each candidate must also pay a deposit of 500,000 kyats to the Union Election Commission (UEC), in addition to campaign expenses.

SNDP chairman Sai Ai Pao told CNI News that the party will provide each candidate 500,000 kyats, funded through bank loans and personal contributions.

Sai Ai Pao and political party leaders

“It has been a long time since we started preparing. Of course, there are some difficulties in every central process. The financial difficulties—we solve them by taking out loans. We support each candidate with 500,000 kyats. We manage with bank loans and also invest from our own pockets. The government said it would take responsibility for party security, so we rely on the security provided by the government. This time, voters will mainly look at the party and the candidate. Since it’s the online era, we’ll rely heavily on online campaigning.”, he said.

Currently, political parties planning to contest the election in Myanmar are facing challenges such as difficulties in fielding enough candidates, establishing sufficient offices, financial constraints, and security concerns.

According to the Union Election Commission (UEC), candidate application lists will be scrutinized from September 18 to October 4.

Sai Ai Pao said that his party has almost completed opening the required offices, but in some areas where security is weak, they might need an extension of time.

Sai Ai Pao and political party leaders

“We’ve already completed much of the work in Bago, Ayeyarwady, Mandalay, and Shan State. Mon State is also almost complete. Because of the distance, Tanintharyi and Kayin still need more work. If the deadline is extended for those two areas, it will be easier for us. Tanintharyi is especially difficult. In some places, there’s little security—even in the Mandalay Region,  places like Natogyi, Myingyan, Taungtha are not convenient to travel. In Sagaing Region, we’ll only contest in three constituencies. Traveling to Shwebo is very difficult, but we’re still trying. We’ve already completed two constituencies and opened offices. In Sagaing and Monywa, it’s finished. Starting today, we’re paying deposits and swearing oaths. Yangon Region is also nearly completed.”, he said.

The upcoming election is scheduled to be held in phases between December 28, 2025, and January 2026 due to security threats.

Myanmar’s very first general election, held between June 1951 and February 1952, was also conducted in stages because of insecurity and instability in some regions.

CNI News

11 September 2025

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) announced it will effectively take action against those who impersonate the SNA, send letters to the public, and threaten people to extort money, according to SNA Joint Secretary Colonel Se Wam Hpa.

In Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, a group of people have been distributing letters claiming to be from SNA Battalion (4). The group threatened residents to contact 09-68716756 and pay 300 lakh kyats between 4th and 6th September, said in the letters.

The SNA stated that such acts are carried out by enemies disguising themselves as SNA, intimidating the public, and deliberately tarnishing the SNA’s reputation. The SNA emphasized it does not want public fear and anxiety to spread.

Colonel Se Wam Hpa clarified that no SNA Battalion (4) exists in that area, and even the names being used were incorrect.

“Up to this moment, our Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) has never harmed or oppressed our own people. We are also not an organization that would ever cause suffering to the Union. What is happening now is an attempt to damage our national dignity by impersonating the SNA. We will strongly denounce and decisively crush both the individuals carrying this out and the organizations behind them.”, he said.

Currently, SNA Brigade 565 is active in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State.

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) is engaged in clashes in the Indawgyi region with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Kachin People’s Defense Force (KPDF) joint forces, as part of its efforts to defend areas inhabited by the Shanni people.

Fighting has also broken out between SNA and KIA-PDF joint forces in Sagaing Region, particularly in Banmauk, Hkamti, and Tamu townships, which border Kachin State.

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) was founded on July 5, 1989, and is currently organized into five brigades.

CNI News

10 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, spoke about how important Myanmar is for China.

He explained this on September 6, 2025, at the 2nd China-Myanmar Entrepreneurs Cooperation Promotion Meeting held in China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar, being a neighbor of the world’s most populous country China, India, and also densely populated Bangladesh, has many opportunities for trade.

He added that geographically, Myanmar is strategically located at the junction of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. It also sits at a crossroads of regional transport routes, and for China, Myanmar can provide a vital outlet to the Indian Ocean.

Therefore, Myanmar’s transport and infrastructure sectors hold significant potential for China, he noted.

He also said that among the 53 countries that have invested in Myanmar, China ranks second.

The trade value between China and Myanmar amounted to over USD 8 billion in the 2023–2024 fiscal year, and over USD 7.7 billion in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, he explained.

The Senior General stressed that trade between the two countries remains strong, and Myanmar is striving to produce more high-value-added products including timber based ones to supply both domestic and international markets. Hence, Myanmar wishes to further expand trade and investment.

“Our two countries are cooperating in areas such as economy, social affairs, border trade, infrastructure development, transport connectivity, and the operation of border gates, which are key sectors for bilateral trade.” said the commission chairman.

He urged cooperation to reopen border gates where trade has been suspended due to armed group attacks, so that trading activities can resume.

He added that with China’s assistance, Myanmar has been implementing development projects in education and healthcare for socio-economic growth, as well as in electricity, agriculture, industry, and transportation infrastructure. He also mentioned plans to enhance cooperation in technology.

Among China-Myanmar projects, the China-Myanmar railway project is particularly important, as it could bring significant benefits to cross-border trade, he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited China from August 30 to September 6, 2025, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During his trip, he met with President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Chinese and Myanmar entrepreneurs, and officials from Wuhan University. He also visited China’s space and AI technology institutions.

In addition, he held talks with other leaders including Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, Indonesian President Prabowo, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the President of Laos, the President of Kazakhstan, as well as the ASEAN Secretary-General.

He also attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, and the military parade marking the anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the Anti-Fascist Japanese War.