CNI Article

24 May 2024

China's extensive activities in the South China Sea are causing alarming environmental damage. The region's rich biodiversity is under threat due to overfishing, climate change, and the destruction of coral reefs.

Land reclamation for territorial claims and the harvesting of giant clams have resulted in the rapid decimation of over 500 coral reef species.

This escalating ecological crisis, often overshadowed by geopolitical tensions, poses a severe long-term threat to the sustainability and health of the South China Sea. Urgent international attention and action are needed to mitigate this environmental catastrophe.

In the South China Sea, Scarborough Shoal, a contentious area under the control of China's coast guard, has been subjected to environmental degradation by Chinese fishermen, according to allegations from the Philippines. The Philippines has urged Beijing to allow international observers to inspect the atoll.

At a media briefing held yesterday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) showcased a collection of satellite photos depicting the coral reefs around Scarborough Shoal. The reefs showed significant damage, which, according to the PCG, was the result of Chinese fishermen's quest for giant clams.

Jonathan Malaya, the spokesperson for the Philippine National Security, expressed their concern and anxiety about the ongoing situation during the press briefing. He urged China to permit specialists from the United Nations and environmental organizations to carry out an autonomous investigation into the origins of the marine devastation.

Malaya stated, "This is our challenge to China." He continued, "If they see themselves as guardians of the environment, they should allow international observers access to Bajo de Masinloc." It's worth noting that Bajo de Masinloc is the name favored by Manila for the shoal.

Specifically, officials from the Philippines have pointed the finger at Chinese fishermen for the dwindling population of giant clams in Scarborough Shoal. This feature is situated approximately 198 kilometers to the west of Luzon, well within the exclusive economic zone recognized internationally as belonging to the Philippines. However, following a 10-week standoff with the Philippines in 2012, the triangular atoll came under China's control. Since then, the China Coast Guard (CCG) has maintained an almost constant presence at the shoal for the past 11 years. The Chinese government asserts that the shoal and the waters surrounding it are its "inherent territory," where, as stated by a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry last year, Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty."

Following the transition of control to China, it is alleged by Manila that Chinese fishing vessels initiated large-scale extraction of the prized giant clams from the central lagoon of the shoal. A report that appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in the early part of 2016 indicated that satellite imagery revealed propeller-induced scarring. This was evident in recent images of a minimum of 28 reefs in the Spratly and Paracel island groups, Scarborough Shoal included. The scarring was a consequence of reef chopping carried out by fishermen utilizing propellers attached to small boats.

During a press conference, several photographs were displayed that depicted Chinese fishermen engaged in the extensive harvesting of giant clams over several years, as reported by The Associated Press. However, according to Philippine officials, such activities appeared to have ceased in March 2019. "The last of the giant clams we observed in Bajo de Masinloc were those," Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the PCG, informed the media. He stated that the damage visible on the reefs was "undeniable proof of negligence. They appear to have little regard for the marine ecosystem."

Malaya indicated that there was growing agreement within the government to initiate a lawsuit against China over the damage to coral reefs and other features in the South China Sea. In 2013, Manila brought a comprehensive case before an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, contesting the legitimacy of China's extensive "nine-dash line" maritime claim in the South China Sea. The tribunal largely sided with the Philippines three years later. However, the Chinese government has dismissed the ruling and is likely to also dismiss Manila's request to subject Scarborough Shoal to international maritime environmental examination.

Scarborough Shoal has recently emerged as a focal point in the escalating tension between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. This is largely attributed to the efforts of the CCG to block Filipino fishermen from entering the lagoon. In the previous September, the CCG had erected a floating barrier at the entrance of the lagoon, which was subsequently dismantled by the PCG. Since that incident, there have been several confrontations involving Philippine patrol vessels and fishing boats. The most recent of these occurred on April 30, when CCG ships used water cannons against a PCG patrol vessel and a fisheries patrol boat, inflicting considerable damage on both.

The environmental crisis in the South China Sea has significant geopolitical implications. The region is a complex geopolitical space, with China claiming nearly 90% of the sea area. This has led to territorial disputes with Southeast Asian littoral states and heightened tensions with the United States.

 The environmental degradation, largely due to China’s activities, adds another layer to these disputes. It threatens the livelihoods of thousands of fishers and food security, potentially destabilizing the region. Furthermore, China’s delaying tactics in negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) allow it to consolidate its holdings in the South China Sea, strengthening its position.

This crisis also impacts global landscapes, augmenting pre-existing friction and suspicion between China and other nations, and adding a new facet to the intricate matrix of South China Sea conflicts. Therefore, this environmental crisis is not just an ecological issue, but a significant geopolitical concern that requires urgent international attention and action.

CNI News

24 May 2024

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA)/ the People's Defense Force (PDF) joint forces were launching an offensive to the Shanni Nationalities Army(SNA) military bases in Prit Pha Nine and Hlwa Zin Gon Villages that are an obstacle in the attempt to capture Homalin Town in Sagaing Region on 23rd May reportedly.

The SNA has controlled most of the villages in Homalin Township to be stable and avoid becoming a war zone while the KIA/PDF joint forces came to attack the SNA.

Homalin is militarily very important and if it could be controlled, its roads and waterways could be controlled; moreover, Naga region and Khamti also could be controlled and then the joint forces could continue to attack the towns in the middle part of Sagaing Region, said a military and political analyst.

While pointing out the location of Homalin Township and Hlwa Zin Gon Village

The SNA is prioritizing the regional stability in order not to cause damages and losses that may occur due to war and for the security of lives and properties of the people living in the Shanni region. At present the battles are breaking out between the KIA/PDF joint forces and the SNA in Shwe Pyi Aye, Banmauk, Homalin and Pinlebu.

If the battles severely broke out, houses could be burned down; locals could displace; the prices of foodstuffs and consumer goods could be higher; locals could face shortages of medicines and consumer goods; they could lose job opportunities and face economic crisis, said residents of Homalin.

Fuel would not be carried to Homalin Township; it would be allowed to be carried until Shwe Pyi Aye by waterway within the territory controlled by the National Unity Government and until Hlwa Zin Gon by road, Homalin Township Public Administrative Organization stated this month.

CNI News

24 May 2024

The new Thai government should allow refugees staying in the refugee camps on the Thai side near the Myanmar-Thailand border to work in Thailand or send the refugees to third countries, those who help in the affairs of migrant workers, told CNI News.

The Thai authorities are currently trying to find an answer regarding refugee camps near its border area with Myanmar and should conduct surveys of refugees to allow them to work in Thailand or to send them to third countries, Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization, told CNI News.

"It would be better for refugees if they were allowed to go to third countries or most of them demand to enjoy job opportunities. Those who are staying in the refugee camps are undocumented. If they are allowed to work, how should they be permitted? Are refugee camps going to issue a certain card such as ones whose validity is ten years long, CI or pink cards. Will some employers accept those who come from refugee camps? The authorities should lay down two policies. Depending on the two policies, which one will refugees choose? Whether the authorities conduct surveys or data collection, an exact answer will come out." he said.

A place that supplies water in the Mae La Refugee Camp

International NGOs are providing the refugee camps in Thailand with food and basic needs and Thailand doesn't support anything to the camps except for providing space for camps. 
However, the Thai government is getting revenue because there are refugee camps in Thailand reportedly.

To draw refugees from the Mae La Refugee Camp that has already existed for 40 years into the labor resource system or to send them to third countries, an answer should come out, which Rangsiman Rome, chairman of the National Security Commission of the Thai Border Affairs said, reported in the Thai news media.

As most of the refugee camps on the Thai side have already existed for one decade or so, in spite of speaking out to find a solution, it wouldn't easy to put it into practice, U Min Oo, In charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), told CNI News.

"Immigration to a third country depends on the Thai government. Another thing is the acceptable strength of the recipient countries. If a person was recognized as a refugee, he would be allowed to choose a third country that he wanted and at the same time, a recipient country for example if the US has decided to receive 1,000 refugees only, the 1,000 just can go to the country. The rest will have to wait." he said.

While the Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand was seen in July, 2014

Myanmar refugees won't go back to their native country because of the current instabilities in Myanmar and some family members of refugees have already arrived in a third country reportedly. Those who are staying in the refugee camps tend to work the plantations and workplaces of the Thai locals in the nearby villages with mutual understanding.

There are Myanmar refugee camps on the Thai side along the Thai-Myanmar border, including Mae La, Umpiem, Nupo, Mae La Oon, Mae Ra Ma Luang, Tham Hin, Bang Don Yan, No.1 and No.2 Karenni Refugee Camps and over 90,000 people are taking refuge in these camps, according to the Karen Refugee Committee.

Among the nine refugee camps, Mae La is the biggest and about 40,000 refugees are taking refuge there reportedly.

CNI News

23 May 2024

Because the battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KIA/PDF joint forces in Waingmaw Township, locals from seven villages are displacing reportedly.

People from villages between Waingmaw and Shwe Nyaung Bin had to displace and are displacing now, a resident of Waingmaw told CNI News.

" There are about seven villages, including Shwe Nyaung Bin, Aung Myay-1, Aung Myay-2, Khar Sheat and Inlay between Waingmaw and Shwe Nyaung Bin and all the villagers from these villages displaced yesterday and are also displacing today. They are fleeing to safety by car, motorcycle and truck. I don't know where they are running away." she said.

While seeing the KIA/PDF joint forces

Myitkyina city-based Northern Command Military Headquarters and Nanpaung Air Base were attacked with shock missiles on 18th May and due to the explosion of shock missiles in Pammatee Ward, two young men and a workshop foreman, IDPs from Sinbo region, were killed and at least six people were injured.

And then, battles between the two sides were severely taking place and there were deaths due to explosions of artillery shells. Due to explosion of artillery shells to the east of Khat Cho Village, six people including family members who came from lower Myanmar to make a living were killed and over ten people were injured, a resident of Waingmaw told CNI News.

While the residents of Waingmaw Township were fleeing to avoid the fighting

" Artillery shells that were shot the other day fell and exploded to the east of Khat Cho Village where five of six family members who came from Sagaing Region to make a living at the rubber and banana farms and a Shan-Chinese person were killed." she said.

At present, battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KIA/PDF joint forces in Waingmaw, Banmaw, Tarlawgyi, Sinbo and Momauk Townships.

CNI News
22 May 2024

As the Shan State people are responsible in the revolution against the injustice, Shan people are urged to participate in waging the revolution, stated the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS)/ the Shan State Army (SSA) on 21st May 2024.

It urged the Shan people as above in the statement to mark the 66th anniversary celebration of the Shan National Revolution Day.

" As the Shan people are responsible in the revolution against the injustice, the Shan people are urged to participate in waging the revolution. In solving various problems, the RCSS/SSA will meet with organizations concerned and solve the problems in a peaceful manner." said in the statement released by the RCSS.

The RCSS would meet and discuss with all the stakeholders so as to change from the current administrative system to the federal democratic union and urged all the witness countries of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement to help solve the problems of Myanmar, stated the RCSS.

while seeing the RCSS's statement

The RCSS imposed the conscription law within Shan State and it is giving military training to over 6,000 recruits and expanding administrative territories without waging any battles. On the other hand, the RCSS is discussing with the Myanmar Tatmadaw and has formed alliances with the NCA signatories.

The fighting broke out between the RCSS and the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP)/the United Wa State Army (UWSA) forces in Yatsauk Township, Shan State on 17th May, 2024.

CNI News
22 May 2024

Because cutting sugarcane in the sugarcane season is about two months late, sugar production will be reduced, according to the Myanmar Sugar and Cane Related Products Association.

As Sagaing Region, Kachin and Shan States where sugarcane is grown were not stable, it was difficult to cut sugarcane. Because some workers who cut sugarcane had to displace, there were labor shortages as well reportedly.

Although chopping sugarcane was late, sugar mills will operate until sugarcane is no more in the hands of growers. However, quality will decline in sugar production from those sugarcanes and the yield will decrease as well reportedly.

So, sugar that was produced in the current season would not be exported and it would be consumed within the country, U Win Htay, chairman of the Myanmar Sugar and Cane Related Products Association, told CNI News.

While seeing Myanmar sugarcane

" Sugar mills will operate until sugarcane is no more in the hands of sugarcane growers. But because the sugarcanes are not very fresh, the sugar's quality declines and is a little yellowish. Because the quality is not up to standard a bit to export, the sugar won't be exported. As local demand and price are high, selling the sugar within the country will make more profits." he said.

As harvesting sugarcane was about two months late, the weight also decreased. So, growers faced some losses as well reportedly.

Because truck fares and labor charges were about two times higher, farmers were demanding sugar mills to raise the prices of sugarcane, U Maung Swe, a sugarcane farmer from Sagaing Region, told CNI News.

While seeing Myanmar sugarcane

Because chopping sugarcane was late, it could be difficult to grow on the sugarcane plantation places on which cultivation has been conducted for three years in a row reportedly.

Because it is necessary to grow on three year long plantation places with new sugarcane plants, sugarcanes could not be harvested in time in the coming sugarcane season. So, sugarcane cultivation could be reduced by 10 percent, estimated sugarcane entrepreneurs.

As new sugar mills have arisen this year, sugarcane farmers should take good care of increasing sugarcane yield, has suggested the Myanmar Sugar and Cane Related Products Association.

CNI News
22 May 2024

The Chinland could not be established by fighting against one another among brothers, Puzothang Puzothang, Director of the Zomi Revolution Army (ZRA) - Eastern Command told CNI News.

Because the Chin National Front/the Chin National Army and joint forces came to attack with massive force, the ZRA troops had to retreat, but the ZRA would not be ruined, he said.

"They came and fought with massive force against us while we were active in our regions with our local troops. We had to retreat a little. But our political attitude will never change. What they fought against us like that, regarding us as their enemy, was because of wrong message. It's unjust. It will be historic in the long run. Our force won't be ruined because of them. It will be better if political problem is solved by political means and military problem, by military means. There is no point in fighting against one another among us, brothers. I wish their leadership knew that. They will know their mistake later. If their attitude is that they only will lead in the politics of Chin State, the relationship among brothers will be ruined." said Puzothang.

The ZNA and its joint forces captured Tonzang and Kyikha towns on 19th May, 2024 and seized control of the ZRA's military camps in those townships, according to regional news agencies in Chin State. Although CNI News phoned Salai Htet Ni, information officer of the CNF to know more about the occupation of the two towns, it has not received any contact from him.

While seeing the CNF Force

Battles often break out between the ZRA and the CNF/CNA in Chin State. Joint forces led by CNF fought against the ZRA because the CNF and joint forces wanted to control trade routes and more tax collection, said a Chin nationality close to the CNF.

" We can't build politics by fighting against one another. We must negotiate. They didn't negotiate with the ZRA leadership. They disdained and fought against us. If this keeps up, eternal hatred among our brothers will exist forever." said Puzothang.

The ZRA is active in Tonzang and Tedim Townships in Chin State, Kalay, Tamu Townships and Kabaw Basin region in Sagaing Region as well as in the India-Myanmar border area.

The CNF is a Chin EAO that has signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and its headquarters is located in Thantlan and it is active in Hakha, Tedim and Matupi Townships.

CNI News

22 May 2024

The State Administration Council (SAC) would be supporting the one China policy without recognizing Taiwan as a country, stated Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the SAC on the night of 20th May 2024.

After Taiwanese presidential election was held, vice president Lai Ching-te was elected and as Taiwan's new president, the swearing-in ceremony was held on May 20. Regarding the above situation, the SAC reported that it supported the one China policy only without recognizing Taiwan as a country.

" Myanmar has no diplomatic relation with Taiwan and it hasn't recognized Taiwan as a country. Myanmar is a country that has strongly supported the one China policy since  the founding of the People's Republic of China. We will continue to strongly support it." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Chinese Special Envoy Deng Xijun

Myanmar is one of the countries that first recognized and endorsed the People's Republic of China since it was established in 1949. Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist) troops that fled from China to Burma in 1950 after their defeat by the Chinese communists in the Chinese Civil War were fought against and expelled by the Myanmar Tatmadaw in eleven operations, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

" The People's Republic of China and Myanmar are strategic partner countries and Myanmar is a good friend neighboring country that has always maintained a pauk-phaw (kinsfolk) relationship for China. Kuomintang troops invaded Myanmar and prepared to fight back against the Chinese communists after their defeat in the Chinese civil war. These Kuomintang troops were crushed down by the Myanmar Tatmadaw in 11 operations in 1953. The US supported Kuomintang troops." he said.

While Lai Ching-te was swearing in as the new Taiwanese president on 20th May 2024

The People's Republic of China has said that Taiwan is its territory and if necessary, the PRC will attack and occupy Taiwan militarily.

China is putting pressure on Taiwan by making jet fighters fly near Taiwan islands, sending warships to pass near the islands and conducting military exercises near Taiwan.

CNI News

21 May 2024

Insuring one percent on one acre loan for rainy season agricultural cost would be implemented starting from 1st June and the insurance system could lead to controversy, said farmers. 

Myanma Agricultural Development Bank has designated to lend farmers 150,000 kyats per acre and climate index based crop insurance system would be used so that when farmers could not repay loans as natural disaster hurt farms, the bank could compensate it, reportedly.

When the crops were damaged due to bad weather, because controversies could arise in compensation, decision-making bodies needed to be impartial, U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmers Development Association, told CNI News.

" If the decision was made based on inches of rainfall one year round, rainfall inches within July for example were more than normal, but rainfall inches within one year is not too much different. In the situation like this, how will the decision be made? Although one percent is not a big amount, as the whole country, it can be a big amount. In fact, I don't know about it thoroughly. But what I have understood is that the system could lead to controversy. The organizations that will make a decision need to be impartial." he said.

While farmers were drawing loans

Instead of crop insurance system, it would be beneficial if the government subsidized the farmers whose farms were damaged due to natural disaster or it gave another loan, which were included in the law imposed to protect and promote the interests of farmers, said farmers.

He was worried that the system would work only for the interests of the insurance companies, rather than protecting farmers from a lot of losses, added U Thein Aung.

“Law for the Protection and Promotion of Farmers' Interests was imposed on 8th October, 2013 to make the State subsidize the farmers whose farms were damaged due to the natural disaster. It would be enough if the amount of loan the same as that of the crop insurance system, 150,000 kyats per acre, was lent to the farmers whose farms were really damaged due to the natural disaster. I'm worried that the system will work for the interests of insurance companies rather than protecting farmers from a lot of losses." he said.

While seeing farmers

Farmers had not known about the crop insurance system thoroughly as yet and it was necessary to be a system that farmers agreed and accepted, U Soe Khine, a farmer from Ayeyarwady Region, told CNI News.

" According to the crop insurance system, if 150,000 kyats per acre was lent, must farmers pay 1,500 kyats for crop insurance? How much will they pay for an acre of land drowned? In any case, if a farmer insures his farms, it will be better if he accepts or relies on that. We don't want that every farmer must insure." he said.

Myanmar Insurance Enterprise and Myanma Agricultural Development Bank cooperated and carried out a weather index based crop insurance system in Yangon, Bago and Ayeyarwady Regions as a pilot project when agricultural loans were issued for the cold season.

The current weather based crop insurance system would be carried out in the entire country reportedly.