Ministry of Foreign Affairs Myanmar Photo
The Communist Party of China (CPC) exclusively invited four political parties from Myanmar to visit China. These parties are the Union Solidarity and Development Party, People’s Party, Arakan Front Party, and Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (White Tiger Party), which are registered with the military council. The invitation is for 20-27 July. 1
The invitation to these political parties comes after the visits of former President U Thein Sein and deputy junta chief Soe Win to China.
Channel News Asia, a Singapore-based news agency, reported on 10 July that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had asked former President U Thein Sein to persuade military council chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to relinquish power. The report stated that during their meeting, Wang Yi asked U Thein Sein to persuade Min Aung Hlaing to transfer the power he had taken and form an interim government to pave the way for elections. U Thein Sein visited Beijing in late June at China’s invitation and had a private meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. 2
On 6 July, deputy junta chief Vice-Senior General Soe Win travelled to China for a three-day visit. Some ethnic leaders and political circles have analysed that these visits by military leaders to China are due to China’s pressure to hold an inclusive dialogue to secure business security for Chinese investments, including Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects that are now outside the control of the military council. 3
On 15 July, 37 countries, including the European Union, called on the Myanmar’s military council to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law, protect civilians, and all relevant parties to reduce violence. 4
According to the latest report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) titled “Poverty and the Household Economy of Myanmar: A Disappearing Middle Class”, nearly half of Myanmar’s population is living in poverty, with Karenni (Kayah) State experiencing the worst conditions. This figure has doubled in six years compared to 24.8 percent of the population in 2017. 5
1 China increases relations with Myanmar’s political parties
2 China urges U Thein Sein to persuade junta leader to relinquish power
3 Could deputy junta chief’s visit to China impact revolution?
4 37 countries call on military council to respect human rights, stop violence
5 Nearly half of Myanmar’s population is living in poverty, worst conditions in Karenni
