Myanmar 20241210: Exceptional, Penetrating, Misanthropic
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:
China Brokers New Peace Talks
Humanitarian Crisis Grinds On
Digital Control Tightens
Economic Infrastructure Deteriorating
ICC Takes Historic Action
China-Myanmar Projects Pick Back Up
Food Export Registration Progress
David Steinberg, Myanmar Sage, Dies at 96
China Brokers New Peace Talks
China has stepped in try and decisively mediate Myanmar's civil conflict, compelling two major rebel groups - the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army - to pause their offensives and begin negotiations. The military continues operations against pro-democracy fighters, launching attacks in Natogyi township that killed 11 villagers and displaced 3,000 people. China's intervention reportedly stems from concerns over Belt & Road Initiative projects (read: investments) after rebels seized strategic locations.
Read more: RFA (Military Operations), The Federal (China's Role)
Humanitarian Crisis Grinds On
UNICEF reports nearly 20 million people in Myanmar need/ needed humanitarian assistance in 2024, including nearly six and a half million children. The agency plans to support 20% of those in need at a cost of $280 million. More than 3.4 million people have been displaced since the 2021 military takeover. The country is also facing additional challenges from weather and climate events, with recent flooding negatively impacting more than 600,000 people.
Read more: NHK World
Digital Control Tightens
The junta has arrested 1,840 people between February 2022 and October 2024 for online opposition. Data for Myanmar reports 657 women among those detained across 223 townships. The regime is using internet shutdowns, Facebook blocks, VPN restrictions, and surveillance to try and maintain control of the people. A single misstep online can result in lengthy imprisonment. Important story to watch as it could happen anywhere.
Read more: The Irrawaddy (Arrest Data), Asia Nikkei (Digital Control)
Economic Infrastructure Deteriorating
Electricity production has decreased by more than 33% since the 2021 coup, falling from 3,589 to 2,376 megawatts per day. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged low economic growth rates and poor / inaccurate ministerial statistics during a government meeting. He spoke about discrepancies between reported agricultural exports and actual figures, warning of flawed economic planning if the wrong figures are used.
Read more: Asian News (Energy), BNI Online (Economic Data)
ICC Takes Historic Action
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has requested an arrest warrant for junta leader Min Aung Hlaing for crimes against humanity against the Rohingya in 2017. This is the first ICC action against anyone from Myanmar. Member states can use Article 14 of the ICC statute to refer broader Myanmar situation cases to the prosecutor.
Read more: The Diplomat
China-Myanmar Projects Pick Back Up
The military regime plans to restart Chinese-backed infrastructure projects following Min Aung Hlaing's November China visit. The main projects include the New Yangon City development and Muse-Mandalay railway line, part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor connecting Yunnan Province to the Indian Ocean.
Read more: The Irrawaddy
Food Export Registration Progress
Since 2021, 1,641 Myanmar food processing businesses have submitted 3,333 applications for General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) registration, required since 2022 for food exports to China. Applications cover goods from edible oils to animal products. As of October 2024, 1,067 registrations were approved. Exporters must work with Myanmar's Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, and Food authorities to complete this process and ensure compliance with Chinese import standards.
Read more: Global New Light of Myanmar
David Steinberg, Myanmar Sage, Dies at 96
David I. Steinberg, a renowned expert on Myanmar and former Georgetown professor, passed away at 96. Known for his nuanced insights, Steinberg often challenged U.S. policies on Myanmar, advocating for engagement over sanctions to counter China's influence and promote stability. His career spanned academia, diplomacy, and think tanks, marked by deep connections within Myanmar’s society. Author of over a dozen books, he shaped global understanding of Myanmar’s complex politics and history, emphasizing dialogue and historical context in foreign policy.
Read more: Washington Post
That’s it for this week… THANK YOU.
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