Section Archive

UN Myanmar Envoy’s Credibility in Tatters After Urging ‘Power Sharing’ With Military

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Analysis

By HPONE MYAT

Noeleen Heyzer has prompted an outcry by urging opponents of the junta to negotiate a power-sharing deal, then refusing to acknowledge, let alone amend, her comments.

China Backs Cambodia’s Much Criticized Diplomatic Bid in Myanmar

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

Beijing’s praise for Hun Sen’s engagement with the junta, which has divided ASEAN, signals China’s eagerness to resume infrastructure projects in its southern neighbor.

Disreputable Commanders-in-Chief of the Myanmar Military  

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

Almost 50 years of dictatorship destroyed the military’s once proud reputation established under its founder General Aung San.

How Myanmar Junta Chief Uses Richardson’s Visit to Boost His Image

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

Coming on the heels of the general’s humiliating ASEAN snub, the ex-US diplomat’s visit gave Min Aung Hlaing’s internal propaganda campaign a timely shot in the arm.

Richardson, Myanmar Junta Chief Share a Dislike for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

Positive political outcomes are unlikely from the ex-US diplomat’s meeting with Min Aung Hlaing.

US Hopes Richardson’s Quiet Visit Can Produce Results

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

The ex-US diplomat’s friendship with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi soured in 2018, but he is one of the few figures with ties on both the military and democratic sides in Myanmar.

UN Envoy Joins Her Predecessors in Myanmar’s ‘Graveyard of Diplomats’

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

The soon-to-be departing Christine Schraner Burgener has admitted for the first time that the junta has no interest in talking or a peaceful solution to Myanmar’s crisis.

Talking to Dead People: What Did China’s Envoy Learn in Myanmar’s Capital?

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

Days after the junta reportedly rejected Sun Guoxiang’s request to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Beijing said it would work to resume Myanmar’s ‘democratic transformation’.

Singapore Says ‘Lines of Communication’ Open With Myanmar Junta—but to Say What?

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

History shows the city state is happy to let Myanmar’s generals provide the ‘stability’ needed to protect investment, while letting them reside and seek treatment there.

Myanmar Junta’s Caretaker Government Follows in Footsteps of Former Dictator Ne Win

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has emulated Ne Win’s 1962 coup, but many more people have died in 2021 at his hands.

Explained: The Tussle Over ASEAN’s Special Envoy to Myanmar

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

The junta’s rejection of ASEAN’s choice of special envoy on Monday is the latest twist in a long saga.

Myanmar Junta Implementing China’s BRI Projects by Stealth

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

Despite post-coup chaos, the COVID-19 pandemic and rising anti-China sentiment, the military regime is pushing forward with Beijing-backed infrastructure projects.

The Myanmar Generals Who Have Relentlessly Persecuted Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Are Worse Than Her Father’s Assassin

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

Today we remember the killings of Gen. Aung San and his colleagues in 1947; the independence hero’s daughter has suffered an even worse fate than his.

In Myanmar’s Divided Shan State, a New Appeal for Unity; China Will Be Watching

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

Beijing is believed to support the northern Shan-based SSPP and to distrust their Shan rivals, the RCSS.

The Coup China Saw Coming in Myanmar—and Failed to Stop

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Analysis

By The Irrawaddy

After five months of worsening instability on its border, Beijing would be open to a negotiated settlement, some NLD insiders say.