CNI News

4 September 2025

In Myanmar, the rare earth mining industry is currently dominated by Chinese companies and the Chinese market. Analysts in military and political affairs are now debating which regions India might be able to enter if it were to begin rare earth mining in Myanmar.

During the Chairman of Myanmar’s State Security and Peace Commission’s trip to China, he also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas including rare earth mining and security.

Since the rare earth deposits along the China–Myanmar border in Kachin State are already controlled by Chinese operators, political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that if India were to pursue rare earth mining through a government-to-government (G to G) agreement, it would most likely do so in Sagaing Region.

“Especially in the northwest part of Myanmar, which has not yet been extensively explored — the upper areas where Kachin State borders Sagaing Region. In particular, the towns and villages along the route where Japanese forces advanced through the Inpha–Kohima corridor during World War II, such as Pansaung, Mawlike, and Homalin. India could connect to those areas to explore rare earth deposits. It’s possible we don’t yet know the full extent of the reserves there. Such locations would certainly interest India. That’s why I believe this issue was discussed with Myanmar’s Acting President. If rare earths are to be transported out of Myanmar, it would be through the Inpha–Kohima and Tamu routes. Although there isn’t yet major trade between the two countries, there are strong cross-border ties between peoples — across India’s Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram states that border Myanmar.” he said.

Rare earth mining site

Just last month, reports emerged that the U.S. is also showing interest in Myanmar’s rare earth resources. Following this, the BBC reported that India has committed to repairing and reopening the World War II “Ledo Road” (also known as the Stilwell Road), which had been used for wartime transport, so that it could again be used for trade.

That road runs from Ledo in India through the upper Sagaing Region and Kachin State in Myanmar, extending all the way to Kunming in China. It was abandoned in November 1945, after the end of the war, and remains unused today.

Although Sagaing Region borders India, Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News that if mining were to take place in the Panwa area, it would be close to India.

While seeing rare earth and armed group

“As for which areas are possible — I’ve heard there are potential sites in Sagaing. Sagaing is very close to India. Panwa is geographically closer to China, but with improved transport routes, it could be linked to India in a single day. The Stilwell Road that was used to reach India back in the past, which already has good road infrastructure on the Indian side. Only the Myanmar side remains underdeveloped. That road is expected to be repaired again, so it’s possible that it could also be used for rare earth transport. Myanmar has quite a lot of rare earth–bearing areas. If rare earths were mined in Panwa today, it would also be close to India.” he said.

Currently, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) controls rare earth–producing areas including Panwa, where nearly 300 rare earth mining sites are located. Before the KIA took control, Myanmar was exporting rare earths to China. According to Chinese customs data, in September 2024, 4,200 tons of rare earth were exported to China. During clashes in Chipwi and Panwa between October and December of that year, over 3,300 tons were still exported.

At present, rare earth mining operations and revenues in Kachin State remain under KIA control. Similarly, in Shan State, rare earth mining areas are controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA).

CNI News

4 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, said that Myanmar wishes to participate under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to cooperate on regional security and the development of modern technologies.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made these remarks during his discussion at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization - SCO Summit 2025 Plus, held at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention Center in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025.

He stated that in the security sector, the SCO has been actively cooperating in counter-terrorism efforts, and he has witnessed effective successes in fighting the threats of terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the current era.

While Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was attending the SCO Summit on September 1, 2025

He also mentioned that since the organization is focused on collaborating on modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology for data governance, member countries are benefiting from technological advancements. He also said he saw potential for collective defense against future technology-based attacks.

He said, "Myanmar wishes to participate under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to cooperate on regional security and the development of modern technologies."

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing expressed his support for Chinese President Xi Jinping's five-point Global Governance Initiatives (GGI) and earnestly requested support for Myanmar to become a member state of the SCO.

Afterward, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met and discussed with other leaders who attended the SCO summit, including the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the President of Mongolia, the Prime Minister of Nepal, the ASEAN Secretary-General, the SCO Secretary-General, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

CNI News

3 September 2025

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said that the Tatmadaw is striving to continue firmly on the path of multi-party democracy desired by the people.

He made the statement on September 2, 2025, during a meeting with families from the Myanmar Embassy and Military Attaché Office, as well as students, at the Myanmar Embassy in Beijing, China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that since gaining independence, Myanmar has followed various political and economic systems. He said that the Tatmadaw held a multi-party democratic general election in 2010 to put the country on the path of multi-party democracy.

He further noted that the Tatmadaw is working to ensure the stability of the multi-party democratic system and has also been striving for internal peace, as peace is essential for implementing a democratic system.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "As members of the Tatmadaw are part of the people, and the Tatmadaw is part of the state, the Tatmadaw is striving to continue firmly on the multi-party democratic path desired by the people."

He mentioned that they are making preparations to hold an election this December and are working to ensure that all eligible voters can cast their votes. He stated that the election will be held in phases based on the stability and peace of each region. He also noted that the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) system will be used to prevent errors in voter lists.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing added that candidates running in the election should be educated. He said that when the election is held, it is important to be able to elect representatives who can benefit the nation and their respective regions.

In Myanmar, Phase 1 of the election will be held on December 28, 2025, in 102 townships, with the remaining constituencies holding elections in January 2026.

He concluded by stating that power will be transferred to the winning political party, and the Tatmadaw will continue to perform its duty of defense.

CNI News 

3 September 2025

The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the National League for Democracy (NLD) has been acting with a factional authoritarian style during the revolution, according to Ko Sithu Maung, spokesperson of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH).

On August 30, 2025, the NLD CWC group held a party regular meeting and decided to temporarily suspend Ko Sithu Maung’s party membership. The resolution stated that he could submit an appeal to either the forthcoming National Conference or the Central Committee meeting.

Regarding the decision, Ko Sithu Maung said on his Facebook page on September 1, 2025, that the reasons for his suspension had not been clarified, nor had he been formally informed until now.

“I wrote analyses of the incidents that occurred during the four-year period of NLD CWC and explained them part by part. If they take such action against me without even trying to clarify, it shows that political tolerance is fading. If the attitude is ‘don’t criticize us, don’t point out our mistakes, whether our actions are right or wrong is none of your business, and if you criticize, we’ll act against you in meetings as a group,’ then this is nothing but a factional authoritarian mindset in the middle of a revolution.” he said.

Ko Sithu Maung further responded that the so-called NLD CWC group neither had the authority nor the right to take disciplinary action, and that he had not even applied for party membership through the CWC.

“In a political party, disciplinary action means the Disciplinary Committee must conduct an inquiry. If wrongdoing is found, the decision must be made at a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting. The CWC, as a nominal group, has neither the authority nor the right to act this way. I did not apply for party membership through the CWC. The only possible reason they took this action may be because of the documents I have written, which are shared in the links below. Those interested can read them.” he added.

Ko Sithu Maung had contested in the 2020 general election as an NLD candidate in Yangon Region’s Pabedan Township and was elected as a Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives) MP.

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar Tatmadaw ousted the NLD government, citing unresolved disputes over the 2020 general election voter list, and declared a state of emergency. Following this political upheaval, Ko Sithu Maung opposed the coup and joined the CRPH, where he has been serving as its spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the NLD CWC includes members such as U Aung Kyi Nyunt, Daw May Win Myint, U Tun Myint, U Kyaw Htwe, U Myo Nyunt, U Win Aung, U Tint Htut Oo, and Dr. Khin Saung, most of whom have fled abroad.

According to the NLD’s constitution, the formation of the CWC is illegitimate, as stated by U Toe Lwin, who was responsible for party discipline enforcement.

CNI News

3 September 2025

The President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, expressed his country’s support for Myanmar’s upcoming election and confirmed that Laos will send an election observation mission. He made the remarks during a meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission.

The two leaders met on September 1, 2025, at the Renaissance Tianjin Lake Hotel in Tianjin, China. During the talks, they discussed issues of border stability and peace between the two countries, enhanced government-to-government friendship and cooperation, as well as opportunities to further boost cooperation in tourism and trade, according to the announcement from Naypyitaw.

They also discussed cooperation between the two armed forces, Laos’ support for the successful holding of Myanmar’s upcoming election, and plans to send an election observation team. The talks additionally covered the promotion of cooperation in a wide range of other sectors.

Myanmar is scheduled to hold its general election on December 28, 2025, in Phase 1, covering 102 townships.

Meanwhile, revolutionary groups have declared their intent to disrupt and sabotage the election, warning that they will take action against those cooperating in holding elections.

On July 29, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing signed into law the Election Security and Protection Act, which stipulates that anyone who obstructs, sabotages, or causes damage to the election—or commits acts leading to loss of life—can face a minimum of 10 years in prison, up to life imprisonment, or the death penalty.

CNI News

3 September 2025

The declaration of the Karen National Union (KNU) as a terrorist organization and unlawful association has sparked comments among military and political analysts on whether it means expulsion from the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

On August 28, 2025, the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee under the National Security and Peace Commission declared the KNU a terrorist organization, while the Ministry of Home Affairs announced it as an unlawful association. Since the KNU is a signatory to the NCA, the declaration has raised questions.

Dr. Aung Myo, a Myanmar political analyst, told CNI News that the move was more like a suspension than a complete expulsion from the NCA:

“In the NCA agreement, it doesn’t say that if a group becomes a terrorist, the membership is automatically void. There is no law that states the agreement ends if one party is declared a terrorist. The current decision depends on practical actions. Legally speaking, one cannot say the KNU has been removed from NCA membership. Even if the group abandons terrorism and wants to rejoin, a new agreement is not required. It is more accurate to say the KNU’s membership has been temporarily suspended.”

KNU leader and Minister U Aung Min exchanging documents at the NCA signing ceremony on October 15, 2015

The KNU was declared a terrorist and unlawful association on the grounds that it carried out terrorist acts within the country, threatened the rule of law, disrupted national peace and stability, and endangered the security and well-being of the public.

After the February 1, 2021 political change, the KNU had already announced its withdrawal from the NCA.

Regarding the recent declaration, Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), said to CNI News that it appeared to be a response from the military to the KNU’s increasingly strong oppositional statements and interviews:

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and former KNU Chairman

“Since the NCA has already been ratified by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, it is a legal document. Signatories can withdraw voluntarily, and they can also dissolve it by themselves. But the NCA itself does not expire. Therefore, the principles and provisions of the NCA are still valid. Some groups comply with it, others don’t. Within the KNU, there are factions. For example, Brigade 7 refrains from fighting and tries to find peaceful solutions according to the NCA. Some leaders cooperate with the Karen State government and maintain engagement. That’s why the government has treated the KNU with a certain level of tolerance. But now, as elections approach and the KNU has openly declared strong opposition attitude, the government has invoked the terrorism and unlawful association law against it.”

The declaration came shortly after the KNU’s August 26 statement, which urged Karen armed groups, political forces, parties, and the public to oppose the upcoming election through non-violent means. The group characterized the election as one designed to favor individuals and parties aligned with the military.

Meanwhile, intense fighting continues between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KNU.

CNI News

2 September 2025

H.E. Mr. Han Zheng, Vice President of China, and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Interim President of Myanmar and Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission The meeting was held on September 2, 2025, at the Yaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is visiting China on August 30, 2025, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He then met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Modi, and discussed with Chinese-Myanmar business leaders.

CNI News

2 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, said that efforts will be made to ensure that those who come to Myanmar to invest and those engaged in trade will not suffer losses.

He made these remarks at the Myanmar-China Economic Cooperation Promotion Meeting held at the Tangla Hotel in Tianjin, China, on August 31, 2025.

Businesspeople noted that in order for economic enterprises to grow stronger and for stronger competition, it would be necessary for the post-election government to be a clean government that could properly implement a market economic system.

U Aung Pyae Sone, a businessman, told CNI News that ensuring no harm for traders must start with addressing current problems at border gates and basic micro-enterprises.

While China-Myanmar-India economic cooperation agreements were being signed

“Although they say there will be no losses, traders are currently facing many difficulties importing goods through border areas. For example, at the Myawaddy trade gate, a large number of goods are stuck on the Thai side and cannot be imported into Myanmar. If they pass the permitted deadline, the Thai authorities will confiscate the goods. That is a direct loss for traders. When conducting trade, the most important thing is to be able to do business quickly and efficiently. For that, these imports need to be permitted without delay.” he said.

He also pointed out that the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee should ease monetary controls so that goods can be imported more easily.

“Another issue is the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee. When many imports come in, they assume that a large outflow of foreign currency will occur, so they impose restrictions. But on the other hand, these goods are essential domestic needs. When such imports fall into restricted categories, it becomes harder to purchase them, prices rise, and in some cases, they may even be brought in illegally. Therefore, if they really want to ensure traders do not suffer losses, they should address these basic business issues first.” he explained.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing added that Myanmar is a country with good opportunities for investors. With the free and fair elections planned for December, greater political stability will emerge, and there will be more opportunities for business and economic cooperation.

Chinese business people

U Htay Aung Kyii, an economic analyst, told CNI News that the main obstacle for traders is weak security in transportation and logistics, which needs to be resolved.

“The main losses for traders are barriers to trade. For example, whether exporting or importing with currencies like the Korean Won or US Dollar, the gap between the official exchange rate and the market rate makes transactions difficult and costly. For smooth trade, security along transportation routes is also essential. Another issue is taxation. Since our country is poor, I won’t comment much on taxes, but if transport routes are secure and trade barriers are removed, improving trade would be easy. The most crucial factor is security.” he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also invited investors to come to Myanmar with confidence to engage in economic cooperation.

On August 30, 2025, during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also discussed Myanmar’s prospective membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and cooperation with China in building a high-quality Belt and Road Initiative.

CNI News

2 September 2025

China and India seem to have guaranteed Myanmar’s political situation both before and after the upcoming election, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), which is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), to CNI News.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the National Security and Peace Commission, arrived in China on August 30, 2025.

He then separately met with President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss Myanmar issues, the election, security, and economic cooperation.

Colonel Khun Okkara told CNI News that the fact that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met not only with Xi Jinping but also with Narendra Modi during his China trip shows that two major powers are willing to accept Myanmar’s political reality.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing arriving in China

“Both in the pre-election and post-election period, the two big countries—India and China—are politically acknowledging Myanmar’s situation in advance. Looking at their actions, whether it’s the current situation before the election or developments after the election, it seems these two major countries have taken responsibility and are acting as guarantors.” he said.

President Xi Jinping had invited Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held from August 31 to September 1, as well as the September 3 military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

Accordingly, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing arrived in China on August 30, 2025.

This trip is expected to have major implications for Myanmar’s future political process, said U Thein Tun Oo, Executive Director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing inspecting Tianjin Port

“China and Myanmar need to build strong relations. They have had them before, but due to certain circumstances, those ties seemed distant. However, given today’s geopolitical situation between Myanmar and China, it is impossible to simply overlook each other. That’s why the Senior General went to meet President Xi. From this trip, there is much hope for Myanmar’s future processes.” he said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing had previously met President Xi Jinping in Moscow in 2024 and also met Prime Minister Modi in Bangkok during the 8th BIMSTEC Summit in April 2025.

However, this time the meetings were held in a special bilateral format, focusing on border stability, Myanmar’s upcoming elections, economic cooperation, and post-earthquake recovery.

President Xi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also discussed Myanmar’s potential membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

In addition, Prime Minister Modi and the Senior General reached agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in the mining of rare earth minerals and in the security sector.

Myanmar is scheduled to hold the first phase of its general election on December 28, 2025, after which the winning political party will be handed state power, according to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.