Chinese Foreign Minister visits Naypyidaw
China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw on Wednesday. Regime media reported that Wang Yi also met with Than Shwe and Thein Sein, who have led two previous military regimes prior to the 2021 coup, during his visit.
Lin Jian, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, said that Wang Yi will travel to Thailand following his visit to Burma to co-chair the ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Chiang Mai on Aug. 16. Regime officials will also attend the gathering in northern Thailand.
The visit comes after the military lost even more territory in northern Shan State near the China border. China’s Special Envoy Deng Xijun held talks with Min Aung Hlaing on Aug. 8. Regime media reported that the two discussed diplomatic relations, peace and stability along its shared border, as well as how to eradicate online gambling and cyber scams.
UN laments ‘incredible brutality’ since 2021 military coup
The U.N. Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) released a report on Tuesday stating that there is substantial evidence that human rights abuses committed by the military against civilians have escalated over the past year.
“We have collected substantial evidence showing horrific levels of brutality and inhumanity across Myanmar. Many crimes have been committed with an intent to punish and induce terror in the civilian population,” said Nicholas Koumjian, the head of the IIMM.
It found that the military was responsible for airstrikes against civilian targets, extrajudicial killings, the torture of detainees, and sexual violence. The IIMM report added that resistance forces have also committed crimes, including the execution of civilians accused of being military informants. Read more here.
Regime dismisses rumor of internal coup
A statement made by the regime in Naypyidaw on Wednesday dismissed allegations as “rumors” spread by “traitors” that Min Aung Hlaing was detained by military generals in an internal coup. It added that those rumored to have carried out the coup are “fulfilling their national duties together.”
“The rumors were false propaganda aimed at disrupting the peace and stability of the country,” stated Naypyidaw. Daung, a popular actor involved in the pro-democracy movement, posted on social media: “Even if the rumors are true, I don’t trust any change would come from this dictatorship.”
Two military defectors posted on social media that Min Aung Hlaing was arrested on Tuesday. The regime leader has been increasingly criticized by pro-military supporters after the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) took control of the Regional Military Command (RMC) headquarters in Lashio, Shan State, on Aug. 3.
News by Region
CHINLAND—Two civilians, including a three-year-old child, were killed and four others were injured during an airstrike on Satchauk village, Kanpetlet Township, on Tuesday. The Kanpetlet People’s Administration, which is affiliated with Chin resistance groups, claimed that the military targeted the school. Six homes were destroyed by the airstrike.
MANDALAY—Sembcorp, a Singaporean company, announced on Monday that it has temporarily closed down one of its natural gas power plants, which generates 225 megawatts of electricity, located in southern Mandalay Region’s Myingyan Township.
Fighting between the military and People’s Defense Force (PDF) has caused two power plants to close temporarily since Monday. The regime’s Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation (YESC) stated that this will cause more power outages in 14 townships located in eastern Yangon Region.
The National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Defense stated on Tuesday that 64 military personnel and two PDF members were killed since fighting began in Tagaung, Thabeikkyin Township, on Sunday. The PDF seized control of the town and captured military weapons and ammunition.
“The military mainly relies on its air force as its infantry forces are diminishing. So, we would like our people to stay strong and we will come to you,” said a PDF spokesperson. A total of three towns in Mandalay Region, including Mogok and Singu, have been seized by resistance forces since fighting there began on June 25.
SAGAING—Ten civilians were killed and 11 others were injured due to an artillery attack carried out by the military on Htanaungtaw and Aungtha villages of Monywa Township on Tuesday. “We don’t know where the victims are from but nine were killed instantly. One died at the hospital,” said a Htanaungtaw resident.
Residents said that soldiers deployed near Ma-U village in Monywa Township fired artillery shells at the two villages despite there being no fighting between the military and the PDF in the area. A PDF spokesperson contacted by DVB said that he is collecting more information about the attack before a comment can be made.
YANGON—Fuel shortages have persisted nationwide since the last week of July. “We don’t even have time to work because we have to line up [for fuel],” a Yangon resident told DVB. Motorists have formed long queues outside of petrol stations and some are unable to purchase the amount needed. These shortages come as the foreign exchange rates reached another record with $1 USD now at 7,000 kyat.
