Myanmar 20241112: Thaumaturgical, Transient, Crimson

Mekong Memo Myanmar Weekly: Business, politics, finance, trade & legal news.

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Here is this week’s edition of the Mekong Memo for Myanmar.

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Headlines:

Junta Touts China Trip Success

Rakhine Braces for Famine

Myanmar Tourism Industry Hoping for Revival

Rebels Gain Ground, Cripple Tatmadaw Supply Lines

Remittance, Payment Service Crackdowns Bite

Airbus Faces Calls to Cut Ties over War Crimes

MAEX Sees Record Profits Despite Instability

Forced Rohingya Conscription Raises Tensions

ILO Takes Action Against Junta

Internet Freedom Collapses in Face of Surveillance

“Forgotten Conflict” Label Sparks Debate

Ruby Trade Reshaped by Conflict

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Junta Touts China Trip Success

Junta media called Min Aung Hlaing's recent visit to China an extraordinarily successful trip. Though focused on the Greater Mekong Subregion Summit, it seemed to be a show of China's explicit support for the regime despite civil war. China arranged for the junta boss to hold talks with leaders from Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos on his poll plan and investments in Myanmar. The junta chief told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that he attached great importance to the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, part of the Belt and Road initiative. He also pledged to begin building a railroad linking Muse on the Chinese border with Kyaukphyu on the Indian Ocean.

Read more: The Irrawaddy (China Trip Success), Nikkei Asia (Regional Ties), Al Jazeera (China Visit), Bloomberg (China Support)

Rakhine Braces for Famine

Two million people in Rakhine state could face starvation within months because conflict and trade blockades have led to a "total economic collapse" and the imminent risk of famine, a senior UN official has warned. The state is on the brink of disaster, as people's incomes crater, rice cultivation plummets, and junta-imposed trade restrictions lead to severe food shortages and hyperinflation. Activists are saying that the junta leaders invitation to Chinese businesses to invest in agriculture may harm local farmers and the environment rather than provide sustainable benefits.

Read more: The Guardian (Famine Risk), Mizzima (Chinese Investment Risks)

Myanmar Tourism Industry Hoping for Revival

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, along with tourism-related associations and businesses, is working to raise standards to draw Chinese travelers. A seminar in Yangon discussed expanding the Chinese tourism market, and an event launched training programs for the tourism and hospitality sectors. Myanmar now also offers visa-free entry for travelers from eight Asian countries.

Read more: Xinhua (Chinese Travelers), Travel and Leisure Asia (Visa-Free Entry)

Rebels Gain Ground, Cripple Tatmadaw Supply Lines

As anti-junta ethnic armies make new military gains against the Tatmadaw, Myanmar's armed conflicts are no longer a simple morality tale of good versus evil. The violence is both vertical and horizontal, with different parties spouting political bromides to justify their actions. The Arakan Army in Rakhine state is expected to seize control of the Western Command in Ann Township shortly, which could alter battle dynamics if they unite with the mainland.

Read more: Asia Times (Rebel Gains), BNI Online (Western Command), Myanmar Now (Warfare Evolution)