Showing 1 - 10 of 25
Post-election foreign policy rebalances westward
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 19/12/2020
» Myanmar's foreign policy is set to undergo a significant shakeup in the coming year as the government readjusts to the changing international environment in a post-election, post-Covid and post-Trump era. In the middle of these evolving dynamics, Myanmar will increasingly become a major focus of attention -- and be a dominant determinant of the balance of power within Asia.
China's grand vision
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 10/02/2020
» Chinese President Xi Jinping's historic state visit to Myanmar last month was aimed at drawing the country ever closer and persuading the world of the importance of Beijing's new international approach. It was an exercise in strategic diplomacy, rolling out China's grand vision for the region and encouraging the creation of a loyal and supportive neighbourhood.
Myanmar blames army for atrocities in Rakhine
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/01/2020
» Myanmar is facing a very fraught time internationally as the conduct of its military comes under increasing scrutiny, while simultaneously the civilian government now admits it must take responsibility for what happened in the strife-torn western province of Rakhine over the past few years.
China and Myanmar launch new era of relations
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/01/2020
» China's president Xi Jingping will today kick off a two-day state visit to Myanmar which is likely to set the course of their future bilateral relations. While the visit is highly significant for Beijing, Myanmar is more hesitant, fearing it is becoming over-dependent on its northern neighbour, according to analysts and diplomats. But the visit certainly is a public endorsement of the special relationship that has formed between the two countries, and may herald a new era of strengthened relationship.
Suu Kyi faces spotlight in Rohingya genocide trial
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 11/12/2019
» Today, international attention is firmly focused on Aung San Suu Kyi as she faces the judges in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague and presents Myanmar's side of the story.
Suu Kyi gears up for genocide hearing
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 02/12/2019
» There has been strong reaction in Myanmar to Aung San Suu Kyi's decision to appear at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to defend the country against charges of genocide. While Western diplomats have tried to persuade the civilian leader that she was embarking on a high-risk strategy, and should reconsider. Attitudes amongst the intellectuals, politicians, MPs and civil society range from animated support to more measured approaches.
Suu Kyi stands up to lawsuit avalanche
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/11/2019
» Myanmar's top leaders -- both military and civilian -- have been shell-shocked by the avalanche of international legal cases they are now facing. In the space of days, three cases have been lodged in separate courts, all intended to make the Myanmar government and the country's military leaders accountable for the horrendous events that unfolded in strife-torn western Rakhine state during military operations over the last three years. These forced nearly a million Muslims, or Rohingya as they call themselves, to flee to safety in Bangladesh.
Giants vie for influence in Myanmar
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 04/11/2019
» Behind the scenes of this year's Asean and East Asian summits, currently taking place in Bangkok, the region's key nations -- China, India and Japan -- are engaged in a quiet battle for greater influence in Myanmar. While on the sidelines, the countries of Asean, especially Thailand, as the current chair of the regional organisation, are offering qualified support for its problematic ally, largely behind the scenes.
Myanmar is 'ready' for the return of Rohingya
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 24/10/2019
» Myanmar wants the Rohingya refugees to return, and preparations have been made to receive them, according to the minister in charge of the process. "We will accept them back anytime," said Dr Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.
China's fast-track solutions in Myanmar fail to take off
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 07/09/2019
» The stand-off between Myanmar and Bangladesh over the planned repatriation of tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees continues. But things have just got a bit more complicated with China's intervention. Beijing -- with all good intentions -- is now trying to soothe the troubled waters, in part, a result of their earlier misjudged involvement, having proposed a trilateral meeting of foreign ministers in New York in the coming weeks -- sponsored by the UN secretary-general -- to try to find a way out of the growing impasse.