China is preparing to host Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing next month, a rare opportunity for a regime desperate for legitimacy. However, pro-military nationalists are seemingly unhappy with the prospect of Min Aung Hlaing’s first visit to the northern neighbor since the 2021 coup.
The planned visit has failed to excite pro-military nationalists as much as Min Aung Hlaing’s trip to Russia in 2022.
Nationalists in Myanmar swelled with pride when Putin received Min Aung Hlaing in Russia in 2022 amid international isolation. They could not help posting countless messages on their Telegram channels, boasting about Russia’s recognition of their leader as the legitimate head of the Myanmar government. They even organized a ceremony at the airport to welcome the junta boss back.
However, they have been silent about Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to China, though they should be expressing their delight considering the junta chief’s many failed attempts to visit Beijing. China has been one of the regime’s major supporters and arms suppliers along with Russia. The visit is therefore crucial for a regime thirsty for legitimacy.
So, why are nationalist groups still not cheering the expected visit?
Observers point to their anti-Chinese sentiments.
‘Nationalist group’ is the term of self-description used by members of Association for Protection of Race and Religion (known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ba Tha), the military’s proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party, and those who sympathize with the Myanmar military.
For more than a decade, they have been known for their hate speech against other religions in the Buddhist-majority country, and their opposition to the National League for Democracy (NLD), which the Myanmar military finally ousted in the 2021 coup. Meanwhile, they portray the military as the defender and promoter of Buddhism in Myanmar, and the only institution able to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territory against external threats.
Nationalist groups believe China is responsible for the Myanmar military’s loss of northern Shan State and its border with China during Operation 1027, launched by the Brotherhood Alliance of three ethnic armies.
Whenever an area fell in northern Shan State, they would post on their Telegram channels, accusing China of invading Myanmar by waging a proxy war. They staged anti-China protests outside the Chinese Embassy in Yangon as well as in Mandalay, Naypyitaw and other towns, describing the fighting in northern Shan State as a foreign invasion.
Some groups singled out the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, formed by ethnically Chinese people native to Kokang, in their protests.
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China’s top diplomat Wang Yi responded sternly to the accusations during his visit to Naypyitaw in August, saying, “China opposes any remarks that attempt to sow discord in China-Myanmar relations or smear and vilify China.”
While they hate China, nationalists are also dissatisfied with Min Aung Hlaing, who they view as too weak.
Many military supporters have called on the junta boss to step down.
Pauk Kodaw, a monk and staunch military supporter, lambasted the junta boss on social media, saying “Those who love the Tatmadaw [Myanmar military] are becoming disappointed with Min Aung Hlaing.”
Ultranationalist monk U Wirathu also mocked Min Aung Hlaing on social media, claiming sarcastically that the junta boss was donating northern Shan State to resistance armies.
Against this backdrop, the invitation for Min Aung Hlaing to visit to Kunming has prompted dismay among nationalist groups.
China recently closed border crossings with rebel-held territories in northern Shan State and Kachin State to force border-based ethnic armed organizations into talks with the regime. One staunch Ma Ba Tha member in Yangon is however skeptical about China’s move. “China is known for its two-pronged policy. So, it may still be supporting the Brotherhood Alliance secretly,” he said.
Following reports of Min Aung Hlaing’s expected visit to China, the Chinese Consulate in Mandalay was attacked with an explosive device, the first attack on a Chinese diplomatic mission since the 2021 coup.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack has been condemned by the civilian National Unity Government, the regime and Beijing.
Ma Ba Tha members would normally point the finger at anti-regime groups for such an attack. But when asked by The Irrawaddy about who he thought was responsible, a longtime Ma Ba Tha supporter who has publicly expressed hatred for ousted civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi refused to answer.
