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India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
No single power should control the world
Russia, China, and India working together can make multipolarity a reality, Min Aung Hlaing has said The world should not be controlled by a single power, Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing has said in an exclusive interview with RT. A multipolar system is the best approach to avoid conflict, he believes. In the interview aired on Saturday, the prime minister stressed that developing countries such as Myanmar have especially suffered "under a unipolar system." "That is why transitioning to a multipolar world works best for us. It is better to share global resources, to act fairly, to distribute things more evenly. Conflicts arise from inequality, so if we want to avoid conflicts, I believe a multipolar system is the best approach," he said. "The US and Western bloc controlled the world through unipolarity. Then it became bipolar, and from bipolarity it returned to unipolarity. This made the West stronger," Hlaing said. However, "in this era, Russia, China and India have made tremendous progress militarily, economically and scientifically," the prime minister noted. "As they have advanced, we have moved towards multipolarity and that is how it should be. No single power should control the world," he said. If Moscow, Beijing and New Delhi, which are "three equally important global powers," collaborate and "act in unison, multipolarity will become a global reality. No one will accept this unipolarity anymore," the Myanmar leader emphasized. In order to succeed in the multipolar world, smaller countries "must try to cooperate" with Russia, China, and India, he said. "Making that attempt is absolutely worthwhile. We need to develop our own economic capabilities, while simultaneously increasing cooperation with each other," he added. Hlaing was among the high-ranking foreign guests who visited Moscow for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany on May 9.
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
No single power should control the world Myanmar PM
Russia, China, and India working together can make multipolarity a reality, Min Aung Hlaing has said The world should not be controlled by a single power, Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing has said in an exclusive interview with RT. A multipolar system is the best approach to avoid conflict, he believes. In the interview aired on Saturday, the prime minister stressed that developing countries such as Myanmar have especially suffered "under a unipolar system." "That is why transitioning to a multipolar world works best for us. It is better to share global resources, to act fairly, to distribute things more evenly. Conflicts arise from inequality, so if we want to avoid conflicts, I believe a multipolar system is the best approach," he said. "The US and Western bloc controlled the world through unipolarity. Then it became bipolar, and from bipolarity it returned to unipolarity. This made the West stronger," Hlaing said. However, "in this era, Russia, China and India have made tremendous progress militarily, economically and scientifically," the prime minister noted. "As they have advanced, we have moved towards multipolarity and that is how it should be. No single power should control the world," he said. If Moscow, Beijing and New Delhi, which are "three equally important global powers," collaborate and "act in unison, multipolarity will become a global reality. No one will accept this unipolarity anymore," the Myanmar leader emphasized. In order to succeed in the multipolar world, smaller countries "must try to cooperate" with Russia, China, and India, he said. "Making that attempt is absolutely worthwhile. We need to develop our own economic capabilities, while simultaneously increasing cooperation with each other," he added. Hlaing was among the high-ranking foreign guests who visited Moscow for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany on May 9. Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that relations between Moscow and Naypyidaw have been developing steadily and had "good potential." In 2024 alone, trade turnover between the two nations increased by 40%, he noted. Putin also expressed gratitude to the leadership of Myanmar for facilitating Russia's cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). width="560" height="315" src=" frameborder="0" > (
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First Post
06-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Myanmar: Why the junta is so keen for elections
Even though there is no consensus on the proposed 2026 elections with the Ethnic Armed Organisations ready to boycott it, the military junta seems to have direction read more The elections will not just extend limited legitimacy to the regime but also provide an honourable exit to Senior General Hlaing from a situation where the international pressure and push for democracy have only increased. File image/ Reuters The launch of Myanmar Narrative, the official think tank under the State Administration Council (SAC), Ministry of Information, saw non-governmental representation from five countries. India, Russia, Thailand, China and Japan, apart from top officials from the SAC, Tatmadaw and distinguished guests. The quiet city of Naypyidaw came alive with a grand dinner with performances representing the ethnic diversity of Myanmar, followed by a full-day event of panel discussions around the topic Challenges and Opportunities for Myanmar, 2025. With talks of elections taking place early next year even while Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) control vast territory, the most anticipated aspect of the event was Senior General Hlaing's inaugural address. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I had the opportunity to travel across the country recently. On my field trip, having met all stakeholders, including those aligned with the SAC and the Tatmadaw and those opposing it, the one aspect that was common was that no side believed that the outside world understood the situation in Myanmar. Though, it has to be said that the EAOs and other resistance groups have ' media in exile', like the Irrawaddy in the English language; the SAC has barely any information that is disseminated to a wider audience. The launch of Myanmar Narrative was a special insight into the aspirations for the future of Myanmar, the politics between the EAOs and the SAC and the much-anticipated elections. Myanmar since the coup in 2021 has been in a state of chaos. There has been immense interest in the conflict that has ensued. For the West, the interest has been based on 'restoring democracy', and so has their tacit support for the EAOs; for India, it has been the impact of the conflict on its northeastern borders and its Act East policy, and for China, it has been the safeguarding of its assets in Myanmar, such as the Kyaukphyu port. Apart from the obvious, there is also the illegal drug production and trafficking, the cyberscam industry , critical earth mining, amongst other illegal activities. Though the interests of the international community in Myanmar may be different, the one aspect of the chaos that is common for all is the importance of the elections and restoration of democracy. Even for the Tatmadaw, contrary to public perception, the election is a necessary next step. For India, a disintegrated Myanmar would spell disaster, with multiple EAOs controlling territory, highways and key trade routes; negotiating would be a hard task and a diplomatic nightmare with the SAC. The disintegration would also mean further migration and the spillover of the conflict in our northeastern borders. In the case of China, Beijing has been advocating for the restoration of democracy in order to primarily limit Western influence. Additionally, the Chinese realise that by pushing for early elections, the current regime's legitimacy will increase internationally, resulting in some stability. China's border trade and infrastructure projects are heavily reliant on a stable Myanmar. Most importantly, it also showcases to the world the increasing influence of China in Myanmar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US perhaps is inconsiderate of the unity of Myanmar and prioritises the removal of the current regime. The relationship between the junta and the US has been strained at the very least. Furthermore, the US wants to counter China, maybe even India, by gaining favour with the EAOs on the plank of restoring 'real democracy' and separating the junta from politics. A nearly impossible task in the near future, considering the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar guarantees 25 per cent of the parliamentary seats to the military junta. Even though there is no consensus on the proposed elections with the EAOs ready to boycott it, the military junta seems to have direction. Senior General Hlaing, at the launch of Myanmar Narrative, spoke extensively on his proposed plan for the country. Abandoning his written speech, he spoke extempore, highlighting time and again for over forty minutes of his speech the importance of elections for Myanmar. He spoke about increased contact with the global community and the opportunities it would provide for Myanmar, improving the image of the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the senior general also stressed the ongoing conflict within the country. He repeated that ' without unity, we cannot have a peaceful nation', and with external interference, it had been difficult to achieve the ideal situation. While he stated that he accepts that a multi-party democratic system would be best suited for Myanmar, based on democracy and federalism, it would not be possible without peace. In his speech , he envisioned an independent foreign policy in an emerging new world order. He suggested that countries like India, Russia and China were challenging the domination of superblocks, and in the future it would be the regional blocks that would be important for Myanmar. Senior Gen Hlaing spoke of his plan for the economy and technology and for education, emphasising the fact that an abysmal 30 per cent of students pass examinations for industrialised agriculture, amongst other areas, but he stressed the importance of stability for any achievement in the future. The caveat that was repeated throughout the speech was 'peace'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For the SAC and the Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Narrative is a big step forward. Known to be highly secretive, they seemed to have somewhat relented to the idea that in a world where information is key to perception building, outreach is important. However, with the possibility of elections being fought only in 110 townships out of 330 townships, the elections are already being criticised by the EAOs as well as the National Unity Government (NUG) as a sham. Before the massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the Southeast Asian nation on March 28, 2025, there were expectations that the Tatmadaw would push to bring more territory under its control. However, after the earthquake it seems unlikely even though the offensive against the EAOs continues. Any further action that affects civilians on the ground could jeopardise the SAC's future ambitions as well as further alienate the international community. The elections which are slated for early 2026 will in all likelihood take place irrespective of the protests by EAOs and the NUG. It will not just extend limited legitimacy to the SAC but also provide an honourable exit to Senior General Hlaing from a situation where the international pressure and push for democracy have only increased. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additionally, the chances are that the nationalist, Tatmadaw-backed United Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) will come to power. The USDP was founded by former Prime Minister Thein Sein to fight the 2010 general elections and has been one of the two major political parties in Myanmar, the other being Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD). However, the NLD refused to comply with the party registration laws. Tun Myint, the secretary of the Yangon region executive committee, had said that NLD would not register with any election authorities as they had been established by the 'illegitimate military council'. This has left the NLD out of the impending elections. Myanmar is in the middle of a major churn. The elections will be a turning point. Bringing some stakeholders closer and alienating some even further. While Senior General Hlaing hopes for 'stability' and 'peace', the chances are that he will have to go ahead with the elections irrespective of the situation. Having met various EAOs on my field trip, what is certain is that they are ready to continue the fight and won't relent until the 2008 constitution is dissolved. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Stability and peace are not going to be easily achievable under the circumstances; the chaos will continue. In the conflict where both sides claim to be fighting for the people, the civilians will continue to suffer, and like all conflicts today, expect no decisive winners. Rami Niranjan Desai is an anthropologist and a scholar of the northeast region of India. She is a columnist and author and presently Distinguished Fellow at India Foundation, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.
The Independent
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Myanmar junta extends fragile ceasefire for earthquake relief amid allegations of escalating violence
Myanmar 's ruling junta extended a temporary ceasefire in its fight with rebels in an effort to rebuild cities following a powerful earthquake that killed thousands of people and left many homeless. The temporary truce between the military government and rebel groups has been extended till 30 April. However, the promise of a ceasefire has continued to be marred by allegation of violations by the military. The initial truce was declared on 2 April and set to run until 22 April, prompted by pressure from rebel groups, amid international pressure to prioritise humanitarian aid. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest to hit Myanmar in over a century, killed more than 3,700 people and injured 5,012, flattening buildings and erasing historical structures in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation riven by a civil war. The truce was extended after Malaysia 's prime minister Anwar Ibrahim held high-level talks with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and a key resistance group on the sidelines of the 10-member ASEAN regional bloc, last week. State media said general Hlaing extended an initial 20-day ceasefire, called by the junta on 2 April, "out of sympathy and understanding for the people of the country affected by the Mandalay earthquake". However, the fighting has continued across Myanmar after the junta was initially accused of launching airstrikes hours after the earthquake struck. The United Nations office of the high commissioner of human rights said on 11 April that military forces have reportedly carried out over 120 attacks, more than half of them after their declared ceasefire was due to have gone into effect on 2 April. A Myanmar Now investigation on Tuesday claimed that strikes by Myanmar's military junta have allegedly killed more than 40 people and injured nearly 60, including children and pregnant women, following its two-day bombing campaign from 19-20 April. It alleged that military helicopters opened fire and dropped bombs on schools, homes, and monasteries in four regions. The army has previously blamed rebel forces for violating ceasefires and said it 'will respond if military bases are attacked without reason'. It came as China said it sent a team of observers in northern Myanmar to monitor the ceasefire after Beijing claimed it brokered a deal between a rebel group and the military to end resistance in an area. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson sent a team to Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State after the ethnic Chinese Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army agreed to hand over the region to the army after a deal brokered by Beijing. 'The two sides commended and thanked China for its constructive role in upholding peace and stability in Myanmar,' said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. The MNDAA withdrew from the Lashio of Shan State earlier on Tuesday and handed over control of the area to the Myanmar military, Chinese state media CCTV news said. Meanwhile, General Hlaing announced that the layout of the capital, Naypyidaw, will be redrawn following last month's devastating earthquake in which the majority of government buildings were damaged. According to reports, government offices are being moved to Yangon, the largest city and former capital of Myanmar. He attributed the widespread destruction, including the collapse of state buildings, to construction on soft soil, and said future office buildings must be earthquake-resistant, with soil tests required before rebuilding.
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Thailand ignores protests to welcome Myanmar's junta leader
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing's military junta seized power after overthrowing the government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. He had made a few trips outside Myanmar before, other than to Russia and China. Shunned by much of the West and isolated with sanctions, Gen Hlaing arrived in Bangkok for a three-day summit of the Bay of Bengal nations that include India and Thailand. Protesters raised banners declaring 'We Do Not Welcome Murderer Min Aung Hlaing' near the hotel where the summit was taking place. His visit also drew condemnation from international rights forums and Myanmarese opposition groups. The National Unity Government, NUG, established by elected lawmakers barred from taking their seats in the parliament by the junta, condemned Gen Hlaing's presence at the summit claiming he did not have the legitimacy to represent Myanmar. 'Allowing the junta leader and his representatives to participate in regional and international forums risks legitimising an illegal regime,' the NUG said in a statement. The Justice for Myanmar campaign group said it was 'deplorable' that Thailand had invited him to a major summit. 'This legitimises and emboldens a military junta that the people of Myanmar have been resisting for over four years,' Yadanar Maung, a spokesperson for the group, said in a statement. His visit came as the UN human rights office accused the junta of limiting crucial humanitarian aid in many areas devastated by last week's earthquake. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said there was a catastrophic humanitarian situation in earthquake-hit areas, especially those outside the military's control. The death toll from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest to rock the country in a century, climbed to 3,145 on Friday, with more than 4,500 injured and nearly 200 still missing, the junta said. Many areas were still waiting for rescue teams to reach, suggesting the death toll was unlikely to be accurate. The general said he planned to discuss ways that other countries could help Myanmar with relief operations. On the sidelines of the summit, the general held meetings with Thailand's premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, with recovery from the quake a common topic. Mr Modi called for the ongoing three-week post-earthquake ceasefire in the country of 55 million people to be made permanent, an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said. "Political resolution to the conflict is the only way forward, starting with inclusive and credible elections," spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. On Thursday, as Gen Hlaing landed in Bangkok, his military launched multiple airstrikes in Kachin and Karenni states and Sagaing region, breaching the temporary ceasefire with rebel fighters, according to the Kachin Independence Army rebel group. The junta announced a ceasefire on Wednesday until 22 April with the condition that it would still undertake measures if rebel groups sought to damage communication lines, mobilise forces or take new territory. The UN's human rights office said there had been nearly 60 attacks after the earthquake, including 16 since the temporary ceasefire was announced on Wednesday. "I urge a halt to all military operations and for the focus to be on assisting those impacted by the quake, as well as ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian organizations that are ready to support," High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said. "I hope this terrible tragedy can be a turning point for the country towards an inclusive political solution." The military was under pressure to declare a ceasefire after its decision to launch airstrikes within hours of the earthquake hitting drew widespread condemnation. It was also accused of impeding the flow of aid to the affected areas. 'Min Aung Hlaing is grandstanding with Asian leaders in Bangkok following a devastating earthquake because he does not care about Myanmar's people,' Elaine Pearson, Asia director for Human Rights Watch, said. 'What he cares about is garnering some legitimacy through high-level visits because ever since the February 2021 coup he has been rightly ostracised by most of the international community.' The earthquake also caused destruction in Bangkok, the venue of the summit. At least 22 people died, 35 were injured and many trapped under a high-rise building that collapsed in the city.
