Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Myanmar looks east again in search of legitimacy
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/04/2026
» Myanmar understands it needs to reach out to the world if it is to end its isolation and roll back the sanctions much of the West has levied against it. To this end, the men in green, now in civilian clothes, are seeking the support of traditional allies -- China and Asean, especially Thailand -- as well as Bangladesh and Pakistan, in an effort to reset foreign policy and regain international acceptance.
Free fall
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/03/2021
» Yangon is burning: Plumes of smoke rose into the skyline in the north of the city every day last week. Large parts of Myanmar's biggest city and main commercial centre resembled a battle zone after the military junta imposed martial law in several neighbourhoods.
Civil disobedience, opposition to coup is growing
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 06/02/2021
» Opposition in Myanmar to the coup is escalating daily, as the new military-led regime tries to pacify the business community and quickly return the country to normal. The civil disobedience campaign initiated by the country's health workers is also growing in numbers, affecting hospitals, schools and other government offices. So far, the authorities have been powerless to stem the movement. But as the momentum grows there are increasing fears of a major confrontation between the peaceful protesters and the security forces.
Myanmar's political crisis still causing uncertainty
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 01/02/2021
» Behind the scenes efforts are continuing to break Myanmar's political deadlock that threatens the country's democratic transition. Talks between the military and the government started a few days ago -- as tensions on the ground rose and rumours of a military coup grew -- but failed to make any real progress, according to both government and military sources.
Military stokes coup fears amid political crisis
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 29/01/2021
» Concerns about a possible military coup have swept across Myanmar this week amid signs of a deepening constitutional crisis. Tensions between Myanmar's military and its political allies on one hand and the country's pro-democracy politicians on the other are worsening, as a dispute over the election outcome intensifies, ahead of a landmark court case later today to decide the legitimacy of these electoral fraud claims. In the meantime, comments by the military earlier this week have fueled fears of a possible coup.
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.
Suu Kyi seeks support over Rakhine crisis
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 12/11/2018
» Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is attending the Asean meetings in Singapore this week, in which she will seek support from her Asian allies in dealing with the country's Rakhine crisis. She especially wants the members of the regional bloc to back her government's efforts to resettle the returning Muslim refugees -- who have fled the violence in the country's strife-torn Western region -- and to be involved in the country's future reconciliation efforts.
Back in Beijing's orbit
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/09/2018
» The Beijing-backed China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) took a major step forward last week with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. While it signals a commitment to strengthen economic cooperation and lay the foundation for greater interconnectivity, the devil is in the details.
Myanmar's military commander-in-chief on the rise
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 02/02/2018
» Myanmar's military chief, Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, has become the man of the moment in the country's unfolding political crisis. While he and the country's civilian leader, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, may not trust each other, he has become increasingly her indispensable ally amid the increasing international turmoil surrounding the government's handling of the Rakhine crisis.