Protests in US and Canada against China’s role in Myanmar
The “Global Campaign against China’s Interference” was held in Washington, D.C., New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles on Saturday. Protesters have been gathering throughout the month of December in response to Beijing’s efforts to support the military regime in Naypyidaw. A protest was also held in Vancouver, Canada on Friday.
“China is openly standing together with the military regime,” Yin Aye, from the protest group Save Myanmar USA, told DVB. “It is also interfering in the country’s military affairs. We are opposing this and want to show that we can win if we, the people, unite together.”
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for dialogue in northern Shan State between the military and the Brotherhood Alliance members, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on Dec. 4. The MNDAA declared a unilateral ceasefire with the regime on Dec. 3. The TNLA announced that it was ready for peace talks on Nov. 25.
Spring Development Bank raises $11 million
The Spring Development Bank (SDB), under the civilian-led National Unity Government (NUG), announced that it has raised $11.2 million USD worth of shares as of Saturday. Its target was to raise $10 million USD in its second Initial Coin Offering (ICO) over 20 days, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 5.
“Spring Development Bank is a place where the strength of the revolution is shown. The 100,000 SDB accounts show that there are 100,000 people who have supported the revolution,” Merlin Kane, the SDB head of Asset Management, Business Excellence and Strategy, told DVB.
The SDB extended its ICO another three days, to Dec. 8, at the public’s request, allowing it to surpass its fundraising target. SDB was launched by the NUG on July 22, 2023 with 1,000 account holders. It has grown exponentially since then and is assisted by financial experts. It operates accounts under 10 currencies including the Kyat, USD and Thai baht.
Bangkok to discuss United Wa State Army on Thai-Myanmar border
Thailand’s House committee on national security, border affairs, national strategy and national reform is planning to hold a meeting this Friday to discuss tension along the Thai-Burma border with the United Wa State Army (UWSA). The Thai military ordered the UWSA to withdraw from nine camps it claimed were located in Mae Hong Son Province by Dec. 18.
“The Wa are notorious for transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking. Evidence points to their influence in drug production, making cross-border incursions unacceptable,” said Rangsiman Rome, the chairperson of the committee and a member of Thailand’s House of Representatives.
Thai media reported that the UWSA is refusing to comply. It administers Wa State – officially known as the Wa Self-Administered Division – an autonomous territory that exists along Burma’s borders with China and Thailand. The UWSA rejected a request in June 2023 to abandon its bases in Shan State near the Thai border. The UWSA responded stating that Bangkok must speak to Naypyidaw.
News by Region
ARAKAN—The Arakan Army (AA) seized full control of Maungdaw Township, located in northern Arakan State near the Burma-Bangladesh border, after it defeated the No. 5 Border Guard Police battalion on Friday. The AA launched its offensive in Maungdaw after it took control of neighboring Buthidaung Township in May.
“The AA took control of the outpost even though the Burma Air Force and the Navy conducted retaliatory strikes,” a source close to the AA told DVB. Sources added that there were 500 pro-regime troops, including personnel from the No. 15 Military Operations Command (MOC) headquarters, as well as Rohingya armed groups, deployed in Maungdaw. The AA continues to fight for control of Ann, Taungup and Gwa townships.
BAGO—Okpho Township residents discovered four bodies on Saturday – one day after four civilians were arrested by military personnel at their homes. Okpho is located 126 miles (202 km) from the Bago Region capital. Pro-military social media channels blamed the People’s Defense Force (PDF) for the murder of the civilians.
“Around eight Burma Army personnel arrived at those civilian homes and arrested them for investigation. But their bodies were discovered beside the road. They were just civilians,” a Okpho resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. A PDF member denied its involvement and said the bodies were later collected by military personnel.
YANGON—A resistance group called Brave Warriors for Myanmar announced on Saturday that it killed 15 Burma Air Force personnel and destroyed two aircraft during an attack on Hmawbi Air Base on Friday. Hmawbi Township is 30 miles (48 km) north of Yangon.
“There might be more buildings and infrastructures damaged as we fired five rounds of 100 mm rockets. The air base is responsible for airstrikes across Karenni, Karen, Mon states and Tanintharyi Region,” the group stated on social media. Hmawbi residents claimed that they heard four loud explosions on Friday.
Read: Evaluating European Union actions in post-coup Myanmar – Part 1 by Nyein Chan May and Majid Lenz.
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