China-Myanmar border stability not a ‘quick fix’ claims NUG
The National Unity Government (NUG) Minister of Foreign Affairs Zin Mar Aung said that Beijing’s pressure on ethnic armed groups along the China-Burma border to stop fighting against the military will not change “the revolution’s direction,” but she acknowledged that the NUG is facing a challenge in communicating with Beijing.
“We understand the desire for border stability and peace. However, this isn’t something that can be solved with a quick fix,” Zin Mar Aung told a press conference alongside the Karen National Union (KNU), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and the Chin National Front (CNF) on Tuesday.
The Brotherhood Alliance and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have seized control of most border gates in northern Shan and Kachin states since the launch of Operation 1027 on Oct. 27, 2023. Last month Beijing suspended all official border trade with Burma. Regime leader Min Aung Hlaing is in China this week to attend summits.
Price of rare earth minerals rise after mines close in Kachin State
Chinese state media reported that suppliers have increased the price of rare earth minerals since the KIA launched its offensive in the Kachin Special Region 1 in September. Most of Burma’s rare earth mines are located in this region of northeastern Kachin State, which is administered by the Kachin Border Guard Force (BGF) on behalf of the regime in Naypyidaw.
Burma’s rare earth mines have ceased operation due to the fighting and border gates have been closed in Kachin State since last month. More than 31,000 tons of heavy rare earth minerals worth over $680 million USD were exported from Burma to China from January to September, according to the General Administration of Customs of China.
It documented that the export of rare earth minerals from Burma to China has increased almost every year since 2017, even after the 2021 military coup. Burma accounts for more than 50 percent of the global rare-earth supplies. Its rare earth mining industry was reportedly worth $1.4 billion USD last year. The KIA seized control of the rare earth mining hub of Pangwa in October.
Bangladesh wants to fast-track Rohingya refugee resettlement
Saiful Huq Omi, a Bangladeshi photojournalist who has spent the last 16 years documenting the Rohingya, told DVB that Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is committed to resolving its refugee crisis with the help of the international community. Yunus has called for a fast-tracked third-country resettlement process for Rohingya refugees.
“As Mr. Yunus, our chief adviser, correctly said that the problem of the Rohingyas must be solved because it will destabilize the whole region in many different ways. The Rohingya refugee issue will be seen differently, just like we are seeing the birth of a new Bangladesh in front of us. I can just hope that it will happen,” said Omi.
The Bangladesh government states that 1.2 million Rohingya live in refugee camps along its border with Burma. Over 750,000 Rohingya in Bangladesh were forced to leave their homes in northern Arakan State during a 2017 military crackdown, which was declared a genocide by the U.S. government in 2022. Around 8,000 Rohingya have fled across the border into Bangladesh as fighting between the military and the Arakan Army (AA) over control of Maungdaw Township began in June.
News by Region
AYEYARWADY—Residents in the region claimed that the military arrested 19 civilians across Ayeyarwady in October. Some have been charged under Section 505(A) of the Penal Code for spreading “fake news” and “incitement” against the military, which carries a punishment of up to three years in prison.
“The military arrested them for their social media posts which seem to support pro-democracy groups. They seized the victims’ mobile phones,” a source close to the regime’s police department told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Residents added that the 19 arrested last month are being held incommunicado.
KAREN—Saw Klay Do, the KNU Brigade 5 spokesperson, told DVB that it detained 20 military personnel on Nov. 3. This followed the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) seizing the Khawpoke military base in Hpapun (Mutraw) Township on Oct. 29. The base is located around 110 miles (177 km) north of the Karen State capital Hpa-An.
“The soldiers who withdrew from the base tried to join up with other troops, but not all of them could retreat as revolutionary forces were widely deployed in the area,” said Saw Klay Do. He added that 17 military personnel were killed and weapons were seized during fighting. Two KNLA fighters were killed and several were wounded.
SAGAING—A member of the NUG Ministry of Education in Kanni Township, as well as his wife and their infant daughter, were killed by unknown assailants at their home on Monday. Kanni is located around 37 miles (60 km) northwest of the Sagaing Region capital Monywa,
“Their bodies were dismembered. It was an inhuman crime whoever did it,” a resident told DVB. The People’s Defense Force (PDF) and the NUG are investigating the murders and have pledged to take action against the perpetrators.
SHAN—The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) stated that it has allowed small gem businesses to resume mining in Mogok, which is located around 128 miles (206 km) northeast of Mandalay. The TNLA refuses to allow any companies associated with the military to resume operations.
“We have allowed local small gem mining businesses since September in order to re-create job opportunities,” Nway Yay Oo, a TNLA spokesperson told DVB. She added that the businesses must follow regulations set by the TNLA, which seized control of the ruby mining town of Mogok in July.
(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,550 kyat)
