Showing 1 - 10 of 10
China seeks to shore up its influence in Myanmar
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 09/01/2021
» China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive in Myanmar on Monday on a critical two-day visit. It is intended to further strengthen Chinese influence in the country, in light of the changing international dynamics in the region, amid fears that China's sway is beginning to wane.
Planned Rohingya repatriation stalled
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/08/2019
» The repatriation of some 3,000 Muslim refugees back to Myanmar, who have been in camps in Bangladesh for nearly two years, is due to start today. But widespread fear and confusion in the camps, according to sources in Cox's Bazar -- currently home to nearly a million Rohingyas who have fled excessive violence at the hands of the Tatmadaw, or Myanmar army -- have left the repatriation plans in limbo.
Ethnic parties give wake-up call to NLD
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 06/11/2018
» Analysts are poring over the results of Myanmar's by-elections which took place on Saturday, vainly trying to read the tea leaves, and perhaps reading too much into them. But it was certainly a wake-up call for both major parties -- the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) and the previous governing party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) -- but the lessons that can be drawn for the future are limited.
Hanging by a thread
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 29/10/2018
» Myanmar's flourishing textile and garment industry could be decimated if the European Union (EU) decides to withdraw trade privileges, business leaders say.
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.
Green light for Kyaukphyu
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 30/07/2018
» Fresh negotiations are under way to resolve the impasse that has prevented progress on the Chinese-backed Kyaukphyu megaproject for more than three years, according to Myanmar's deputy finance minister.
UN envoy averts possible military coup in Myanmar
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/06/2018
» A UN envoy has inadvertently acted as a peacemaker between Myanmar's top civilian leader, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the army commander, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Tension between the two leaders has been simmering since their confrontation during a top-level security meeting two weeks ago over the government's handling of Rakhine, and the UN's role in the return of thousands of Muslim refugees who have fled to Bangladesh for safety.
Security Council visit raises spectre of ICC
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 05/05/2018
» The United Nations Security Council's visit to Myanmar earlier this week has raised the spectre of increased international involvement in its refugee crisis, including referring it to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Although the delegation's main priority was seeing firsthand the government's efforts to prepare for the return of the Muslim -- or Rohingya -- refugees from Bangladesh, inevitably it also raised the need to investigate the causes of the mass exodus.
Surakiart's Rakhine mission no easy task
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/02/2018
» After a dramatically shaky start, Surakiart Sathirathai's international advisory group is getting down to tackle the Herculean task of trying to find practical solutions to Myanmar's tragic inter-communal violence. As the Myanmar government comes under increased criticism and international scrutiny, Mr Surakiart believes he and his team must help Myanmar look forward and produce a comprehensive and sustainable plan to restore peace, harmony and development to the country.
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.