Section Archive

The concept of ‘pauk-phaw’ fraternal relations between Myanmar and China is mere diplomatic jargon, but the two countries’ mutual dependence is very real.

Myanmar’s people welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping, but he has work to do if China truly wants to write a new chapter in the countries’ bilateral relationship.

Too busy writing stories about a ‘fallen icon’, the world’s media ignored Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s message that accountability for the Rohingya crisis should begin at home.

The Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups deny using landmines, but the growing civilian casualty toll tells a different story.

The Tatmadaw’s display of a haul of Chinese-made weapons seized from the TNLA sends a pointed signal to Beijing that it’s time to stop adding fuel to the rebel fire. 

The State Counselor has achieved broad support—including from the army—for her decision to defend Myanmar over the Rohingya case at the ICJ; but is it mission impossible?

Whereas previous governments walked a diplomatic tightrope to achieve ‘neutrality’ in foreign affairs, the current government seems less surefooted.

The Yangon regional government took another significant step away from transparency on Tuesday, excluding media deemed unfriendly from an official press conference.

Will the current transition lead Myanmar back into authoritarian rule, or is the country on the verge of finally breaking its historical cycle of thwarted opportunities?

Under the 2008 Constitution, if the USDP and its allies win 26 percent of Parliament seats, the army chief could become president without even running for office.

The case against three Karen activists for using the word ‘Martyr’ sends a negative signal to all ethnic communities in Myanmar.

Is Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing’s display of religious tolerance pre-election maneuvering, or should the military’s calls for national unity be cause for optimism?

The leaders of history’s great struggles didn’t stop to ask themselves the ‘score’ at any given point; they kept their eyes on the prize and never gave up.

Life as I knew it ended when the military regime jailed me, but I left prison in 1999 with new strengths; many in Myanmar have undergone a rebirth of one kind or another.

Beijing should urge both sides to back down, while being more inclusive of ethnic groups in its investment strategy for the region.