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Myanmar's democratic transition

The 2015 elections are seen as a crucial test of the credibility of reforms begun in 2011, when the junta stepped aside to make way for a quasi-civilian regime dominated by former generals. Democracy icon Aung San suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party are expected to make big gains at the polls - the first general election they have fought since they swept 1990 polls. The then-junta ignored the result. However the current constitution bars Suu Kyi from running in a presidential election, due to the foreign nationality of immediate members of her family. Since coming to power, the civilian government led by President Thein Sein has improved relations with the West while reducing its dependence on long-time backer China.

People gather around an officially published eligible-voter list to check names at a ward administrative office in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, before next month’s election. Photo: AP

US-China relations

US lawmakers urge Trump to condemn Myanmar’s China-backed ‘sham’ elections

Call comes after government’s plan to stop legal protections for Myanmar nationals in US, citing elections as proof situation was improving.

27 Nov 2025 - 4:42AMvideocam

Asean

‘Meek diplomacy’: is Asean doing enough to end the Myanmar conflict?

30 Oct 2025 - 7:50PMvideocam

Myanmar's democratic transition

US lawmakers urge Trump to condemn Myanmar’s China-backed ‘sham’ elections

Call comes after government’s plan to stop legal protections for Myanmar nationals in US, citing elections as proof situation was improving.

‘Meek diplomacy’: is Asean doing enough to end the Myanmar conflict?

UN chief urges Myanmar junta to prioritise aid over holding election

Asean in a bind: can bloc halt Myanmar junta’s ‘sham’ election?

Pressure is mounting on Asean chair Malaysia to issue a statement that outright rejects the election and any government that emerges from it.

Bunker schools in Myanmar offer dangerous refuge for students amid air strikes

Nearly 3,400 civilians have been killed by state forces in targeted air or drone strikes since the junta staged a coup in 2021.

Will a Philippine push for ‘bolder’ action on Myanmar strain Asean ties?

The resolution aims to align more closely with Malaysia’s assertive stance, but could complicate Manila’s diplomatic agenda, analysts say.

Asean’s failure to meet Myanmar junta over election shows its ‘limited leverage’

A trip by an Asean delegation to Myanmar to discuss the country’s election plan has been postponed to October.

Myanmar junta’s ‘sham’ election plan slammed as gateway to more bloodshed

The military regime has unveiled plans for an election in December, which opponents have criticised as senseless amid the civil war.

Myanmar to hold election from December 28, junta says

With the opposition either boycotting or barred from running, the poll has been dismissed by the West as a ruse to keep the junta in power.

13 killed in Myanmar junta strike on rebel-occupied ruby mine

Myanmar is rich in precious stones and rare earth elements coveted by all factions to boost war chests.

Trump’s ‘huge diplomatic gift’ to Myanmar junta via letter sparks concerns

By addressing Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing over the tariff issue, Trump has ‘unintentionally legitimised’ the junta, analysts say.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Myanmar crisis demands Asean rethink on regional diplomacy

Asean must match the people’s demands for justice, dignity and freedom with nothing less than bold, principled leadership.

‘Concerned’ Asean leaders fail to issue fresh condemnation of Myanmar’s junta

Southeast Asia’s leaders reaffirm the bloc’s backing of a so-called five-point consensus as a road map for resolving Myanmar’s crisis.

How Myanmar junta’s China, Russia-supplied drones are turning the tide of war

Analysts say the use of advanced drones from China and Russia has resulted in more casualties and slowed down opposition offensives.

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.

Myanmar diaspora rallies for quake victims with 1 rule: do not help the junta

Those living overseas have urged international donors not to send aid via the junta, saying the military will weaponise relief efforts to increase exploitation.

Myanmar rebels accuse junta of air strikes in quake aftermath

The military has turned to air strikes to gain the upper hand against an array of anti-coup fighters and armed groups in the civil war.

Myanmar election to be held by January, junta chief says

The vote would be ‘free and fair’ he said during a state visit to Belarus, inviting the eastern European country to observe the election.

Myanmar junta criticises Argentina arrest warrant

An Argentine court earlier this week issued warrants for military and civilian officials, including junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Myanmar military junta extends mandate to rule by 6 months

Myanmar’s government announced another extension of its mandate to rule in preparation for elections it has said will be held this year.

In Asia’s forgotten war, reluctant rebels mark 4 years of bloody chaos

For thousands of guerilla fighters, the dream of a free Myanmar still burns bright – even after four years of ruinous civil war.

Myanmar junta air strike on market kills 15 civilians, ethnic rebel group says

The junta has been accused of carrying out multiple attacks on civilian targets as it struggles to quell resistance to its 2021 coup.

Anwar’s pick of Thaksin as adviser raises fears of ex-PM favouring Myanmar junta

Myanmar resistance groups are concerned that the former Thai leader will align his business interests with those of the military junta.

‘A long way to go’: India struggles to match China’s Myanmar outreach

China’s bigger role as a peace mediator has sparked concerns about the impact on India’s infrastructure projects in Myanmar.

Asian Angle | Is Myanmar’s Arakan Army capable of governing Rakhine state?

The Arakan Army has made military gains in Rakhine but it’s likely to face challenges in addressing residents’ socio-economic needs.

China pushes to secure Myanmar’s military a seat at the table as junta falters

Concerned by a potential power vacuum, Beijing is hoping to shape Myanmar’s trajectory as the generals’ grip weakens.

Editorial | Stability in Myanmar paramount for China

Emphasis is on Beijing playing role of mediator and provider of solutions in relations with Asean members.

Does China think Myanmar junta is key hurdle to peace talks over civil war?

Analysts say junta lacks capacity and influence to organise fair and free election despite pressure from Beijing to ‘change gears’.

Opinion | Myanmar crisis demands Asean rethink on regional diplomacy