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Myanmar

Latest news, updates and opinion on Myanmar, covering politics, economy, society and the country’s relationships with China and India, and other countries in Southeast Asia.

Capital

Naypyidaw

Head of State

Acting President Min Aung Hlaing

Head of Government

Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing

Men and women rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar sit inside a camp in Kyaukhat, Myanmar on Sunday, after their escape attempt to discuss their options for getting home. Photo: AP

Thailand

Trafficked workers from Myanmar scam hubs say death better than going back

‘We will kill ourselves instead of going back to them,’ said one of the dozens who attempted a mass escape from their Myanmar detention.

16 Apr 2025 - 4:44PMvideocam

Asean

How Malaysia’s Anwar risks legitimising Myanmar junta through diplomacy

15 Apr 2025 - 12:17PMvideocam

Natural disasters

‘Heavy heart’: Myanmar quake survivors mark ‘Thingyan’ new year amid ruins

13 Apr 2025 - 6:46PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Opinion | How China can help Bangladesh escape India’s foreign policy grip

The 15 years of Hasina government saw Bangladesh draw closer to India but for the next stage of greater regional integration, it needs China.

13 Apr 2025 - 5:30AMvideocam

A train is pictured during a trial run along the newly-constructed Belt and Road Initiative rail line via the China-built Padma Bridge in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 7, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

US-Asean relations

Asean’s ‘illusion of solidarity’ splinters amid Trump’s tariff threats

While Malaysia calls for a united front, the reality is a race for bilateral deals, with Vietnam leading the charge – as China watches on.

13 Apr 2025 - 12:21PMvideocam

Hong Kong

Editorial | Misery of Myanmar earthquake survivors must not be forgotten

Hong Kong has role to play as the United Nations appeals for help in humanitarian crisis facing more than 17 million people.

12 Apr 2025 - 6:15AM

United States

Tariffs impact on developing nations may be worse than foreign aid cuts: UN

Tariffs on imports to the US mean developing economies risk sliding back on gains made in recent years, says the United Nations’ trade agency.

11 Apr 2025 - 6:26PMvideocam

Workers sew in a garment factory on the outskirts of Dhaka in Bangladesh on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Trending in China

Chinese reality show slammed for re-enacting ordeal of actor’s Myanmar abduction

Wang Xing says he has declined offers from entertainment industry to adapt his story into films or TV series, not wanting to ‘sell himself off’.

10 Apr 2025 - 9:15AM

Hong Kong society

Hero’s welcome for Hong Kong rescuers after return from quake-hit Myanmar

The 51-strong team met at Hong Kong airport by top officials including city leader John Lee and Myanmar’s consul general.

10 Apr 2025 - 5:03PM

China-India relations

Opinion | Void left by US aid cuts could be vital test for China-India detente

As the world struggles to send aid to Myanmar, New Delhi and Beijing have a chance to emerge as leaders in humanitarian relief.

9 Apr 2025 - 8:30PMvideocam

People reach up for food aid being distributed in Sagaing, Myanmar, on April 3, following the March 28 earthquake. Photo: AFP

Singapore

Myanmar earthquake: Singapore deploys cyborg cockroaches in rescue efforts

The insect-robot hybrids are fitted with tiny ‘backpacks’ containing infrared cameras and sensors to detect human heat signatures.

8 Apr 2025 - 9:36PM

Singapore deployed cyborg cockroaches to help look for victims of the Myanmar earthquake. Photo: HTX

Thailand

‘Everywhere is cracked’: Bangkok residents question high-rise safety after quake

One property manager said the quake prompted a flurry of inquiries from residents looking to relocate, due to ‘fear and anxiety’ of living far above ground.

7 Apr 2025 - 5:15PMvideocam

Natural disasters

Myanmar junta leader visits quake epicentre – 10 days after disaster

Min Aung Hlaing’s visit reportedly hints at prioritisation of relief to religious institutions in Sagaing, where aid workers say supplies have been blocked.

7 Apr 2025 - 5:22PM

Vietnam

US aid cuts threaten ‘new-found agency’ of many Southeast Asian nations

Countries reliant on Chinese development support will have less room to diversify their ties given the aid cuts, a study shows.

7 Apr 2025 - 4:45PM

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone attend the launch of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital building in Vientiane in October. Photo: Xinhua

Asean

Myanmar earthquake: can Asean step up to fill US aid vacuum?

The US aid retreat opens ways for China and India to use their humanitarian assistance to build influence.

7 Apr 2025 - 8:12AMvideocam

The Chinese government’s second batch of emergency supplies arrives at Yangon International Airport on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

Science

Magnitude 8 earthquake risk on rise in China, surrounding regions, study warns

As the world reels from the aftermath of the Myanmar earthquake, seismologists have warned there is a heightened danger of further disasters.

6 Apr 2025 - 4:00PMvideocam

Human rights

Opinion | Whose lives matter? Navigating aid and ethics in a divided world

As the West and Global South clash over Gaza and beyond, the question of whose lives are deemed worthy of protection exposes deep fractures.

6 Apr 2025 - 3:00PM

Japan

Japan rebuts criticism of its response to Myanmar earthquake rescue

A Japanese medical care unit arrived at the disaster site in Myanmar on Wednesday, four days after a Chinese team began its rescue work.

5 Apr 2025 - 10:30AMvideocam

Rescuers carry out work in Mandalay, Myanmar, on Monday after a devastating earthquake hit the country’s central region last week. Photo: Xinhua

Earthquakes

Myanmar’s double disaster: an earthquake and a heartless junta

As quake survivors dig through the rubble for loved ones with their bare hands, the military bombs villages and seeks diplomatic openings.

7 Apr 2025 - 11:00AMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Japan issues megaquake warning, but many travellers from Hong Kong undeterred

Tour bookings remain steady while insurance executives urge travellers to secure coverage.

3 Apr 2025 - 8:30PM

Climate change

Opinion | An Asia racked by natural disasters needs insurers to step up

Instead of withdrawing from high-risk areas, Asia’s insurers must become an active partner in long-term climate risk management.

3 Apr 2025 - 8:30PMvideocam

A Muslim woman cries while offering morning prayers on a road near destroyed mosques in Mandalay on March 31, three days after the deadly Myanmar earthquake. Photo: AFP

China economy

Opinion | Despite hurdles, China’s ambition for global leadership role is clear

From the ‘two sessions’ to Boao Forum, Beijing is promoting tech independence, green innovation and support for developing nations.

3 Apr 2025 - 10:09AMvideocam

Hong Kong

Editorial | Rescue heroes brave dangers on all fronts in Myanmar tragedy

As death toll from powerful earthquake rises, teams from Hong Kong and mainland China still hope to find life in ruins while civil war goes on.

3 Apr 2025 - 12:53AM

Human rights

Myanmar junta declares temporary ceasefire for quake relief

The truce, to show compassion for people affected by Friday’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake, will run until April 22.

2 Apr 2025 - 10:58PM

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong rescue team pulls survivor from rubble of Myanmar earthquake

Man, 52, rescued from hotel in Mandalay by Hong Kong rescue team, in collaboration with mainland Chinese counterparts.

3 Apr 2025 - 12:45PM

A Hong Kong rescue team carry a survivor away from the rubble of a Mandalay hotel in Myanmar. Photo: Handout

2025 Myanmar earthquake

China urges Myanmar to protect rescuers after military fires shots at aid convoy

Chinese earthquake relief team confirmed safe after Myanmar’s military admits to firing warning shots, causing rescuers to retreat.

2 Apr 2025 - 8:26PMvideocam

A team from the Red Cross Society of China has been deployed to Myanmar to help with relief efforts following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday. Photo: Xinhua

Thailand

‘Earthquake drunk’ Thais given advice on how to deal with post-quake dizziness

The syndrome, caused by an overstimulated nervous system, is more common among those with anxiety disorders and migraines, experts say.

2 Apr 2025 - 10:50PMvideocam

2025 Myanmar earthquake

Video | Chinese contractors under scrutiny in Bangkok tower collapse

The death toll in the Myanmar earthquake has risen to over 2,700, with hundreds still missing

2 Apr 2025 - 5:17PM

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