Ahead of Biden takeover, China affirms support in ethnic conflict
One week before the U.S. presidential inauguration, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Myanmar in its handling of ethnic conflicts. In a meeting with President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Government quells talk of martial law in Rakhine State
The government has officially dismissed rumors of possible martial law in parts of embattled Rakhine State. In a June 15 press conference, U Myint Than, director-general of the Ministry of the Office of the Union Government, claimed the state’s
UN Security Council to discuss Rakhine
The UN Security Council will meet Thursday this week to discuss escalating violence in Rakhine and Chin States, which has affected efforts to contain COVID-19. The closed-door meeting will be held over video conference and will include statements fro
US org calls out Chinese ties to armed groups
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP), an independent organization funded by the US government, has published a lengthy expose of Chinese business ties to armed groups in Kayin state. The report expresses concerns about lack of oversight and co
Rakhine civilian deaths highlight propaganda war
Eight civilians were killed last week in the embattled Rakhine state, according to local officials. Neither the government nor the Arakan Army (AA) separatist group have taken responsibility. Reports claim the eight civilians were killed by stray art
