Photo – AFP
The member countries of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on 1 August called for the protection of the civilian population from the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar. The call comes as military conflicts intensify across the country, causing civilian casualties and displacement.
The ARF meeting was attended by ASEAN member states, the United States, the European Union, China, Japan, India, Australia and Russia. 1
On 13 August, the United Nations’ Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM) released a report stating they have evidence of war crimes committed by the Myanmar military junta against civilians, including abductions and rape. The report notes that neither military nor civilian officials have been prosecuted for these serious crimes, nor is there any evidence of investigations. However, the IIMM said it will continue to assess the intensity and extent of these cases in accordance with its policy of priority investigation. 2
On 11 August, the UN strongly condemned the escalating violence in Myanmar, which has claimed numerous civilian lives.
The UN also emphasized that all parties involved in the current conflict should protect civilians and their property in accordance with international humanitarian law and provide humanitarian access. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reports that nearly 19 million people in Myanmar are in need of assistance, requiring nearly US$1 billion in humanitarian aid, but only US$214 million has been received so far. 3
Photo: CITIZEN JOURNALIST
China, which has maintained close diplomatic ties with the military junta since the coup, has recently spoken out on its policy towards Myanmar. On 9 August, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ms. Mao Ning said at a press conference that China does not want conflict in Myanmar and encourages dialogue to resolve the issues.
In addition, the junta announced on 12 August that the military council had approved China’s appointment of Ms. Ma Jia as the new Chinese ambassador to Myanmar. The announcement came after Deng Xijun, China’s Special Envoy for Asian Affairs, met with junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw. 4
On 8 August, Deng Xijun met with the junta chief in Nay Pyi Taw. 5 Reports, however, emerged that the meeting did not go as expected, with Min Aung Hlaing questioning China’s stance as the weapons used by the Three Brotherhood (3BHA) and other resistance forces in Operation 1027 included weapons supplied by China. 6
On 13 August, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Myanmar. The minister will attend the 9th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Thailand and have informal meetings with the foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand during his four-day trip from 14 to 17 August. 7
1 ARF urges protection of civilians in Myanmar conflicts
2 IIMM claims to have evidence of war crimes committed by junta, including rape
3 UN strongly condemns civilian deaths resulting from violent attacks
4 New female diplomat set to be appointed as Chinese ambassador to Myanmar
5 Chinese special envoy arrives to facilitate Haigeng talks between junta and 3BHA
6 Meeting between Chinese special envoy and junta chief did not go well
7 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Myanmar
