On 15 August, a group including the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Karen National Union (KNU) and other ethnic allies held a virtual meeting with US State Department Counselor Mr. Tom Sullivan to discuss Myanmar affairs.
At the meeting, Mr. Tom Sullivan commended the groups on the collaborative efforts to work on establishing a path toward an inclusive federal democracy. He also said that the United States will continue to expand direct support and assistance to pro-democracy actors to help build their cohesion, improve their capability to provide vital public services and humanitarian aid to those in need, and develop concrete steps towards a full transition to civilian governance. 1
Thai government donated a further nine million baht to fund humanitarian aid for the Myanmar crisis, following the Thai Foreign Minister ‘s pledge made during the recent Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Vientiane of Laos. The Permanent Secretary for Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry, on 26 August made the donation to the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to assist Myanmar people. 2
On 14 August, Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the military council, held a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw. During the meeting, China reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Myanmar’s stability and condemned the attacks by Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) on towns and villages in northern Shan State, according to a report by the military-owned Myawaddy TV. 3
However, the news reported by Chinese media contradicts the junta’s statements. China’s policy of friendship towards Myanmar is intended to benefit all the people of Myanmar. Concerning the ongoing instability and conflict, Mr. Wang Yi stated that China firmly opposes foreign interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs. 4
On 14 August, Mr. Wang Yi also met with former military dictator and retired Senior General Than Shwe also met at his residence in Ottarathiri Township in the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area. The former military dictator called on Mr. Wang Yi to continue to provide valuable support to help Myanmar prevent external interference and maintain domestic stability. 5
In June, Mr. Wang Yi met with former President U Thein Sein, who attended the conference held in China to mark the 70th Anniversary of the five principles of peaceful coexistence.
1 Alliances including the KNU, meet with US State Department Counselor to discuss Myanmar issues, Karen Information Center, 17 August 2024
2 Thailand donates 9 million baht in humanitarian aid to Myanmar, DVB, 27 August 2024
3 Chinese foreign minister meets with the junta leader, the military-controlled media reports China opposes the attacks in northern Shan State, Mizzima, 15 August 2024
4 During the meeting with Myanmar’s junta, Chinese FM Wang Yi expressed his opposition to any comments aimed at smearing China, DVB, 15 August 2024
5 Former military dictator Than Shwe meets with Chinese foreign minister and requests China’s assistance in promoting stability in Myanmar, DVB, 15 August 2024
