Myanmar Spring Chronicle – November 8 Overview
(MoeMaKa) November 9, 2024
Recent Shifts and Reactions from the U.S., China, and Myanmar
Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing’s trip to China occurred the same week as the U.S. elections. The election results in the United States have had a major impact not only domestically and internationally but also among the Burmese people. Meanwhile, there have been ongoing discussions and debates among the people of Myanmar concerning Min Aung Hlaing’s trip.
At a press conference, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement supporting Myanmar’s various parties in achieving political stability and peace through amicable consultation. The statement also highlighted China’s endorsement of Myanmar’s sovereignty, independence, national unity, and territorial integrity, as well as China’s encouragement for Myanmar’s political stakeholders to engage peacefully.
Regarding this statement, the TNLA (Ta’ang National Liberation Army), part of the Brotherhood Alliance, expressed its stance as follows: “If the military council wants to engage in peace negotiations, there are two conditions that must be met.” According to People’s Spring, TNLA spokesperson Lway Yei Oo stated that the conditions are:
“First, we must be removed from the terrorist group list.”
“Second, the military council must acknowledge the war crimes and atrocities they are committing and agree to withdraw from politics before we will engage in peace negotiations.”
Ethnic groups have expressed that, should the military council agree to relinquish control over political power, they would be ready to pursue peaceful solutions. This message was conveyed to the Chinese government and the international community. This serves as a reminder that unity, stability, and transformation are necessary for the country’s long-term well-being—a point that Myanmar’s resistance groups have highlighted. This stance also aligns with the agreements established by the NUG (National Unity Government).
In the recent U.S. general elections, Democratic leaders—including President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other prominent party figures—expressed their congratulations to the opposition upon losing seats in the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as pledging a smooth transition of power. They vowed to continue fighting for the goals and values of their party and also reassured the public of their dedication to the freedoms, security, and protection of citizens, including immigrants and refugees.
Some members of the Burmese community in the United States have expressed concerns about the possibility that the upcoming administration under President Trump may rescind protections, making it harder for Burmese refugees in the U.S. to remain. Additionally, refugees awaiting resettlement in Myanmar’s border regions worry that their hopes for a future in the U.S. may become more uncertain.
Legal advocates and Democratic congressional representatives have stated that they will continue to work to ensure protections not only for the Burmese but also for immigrants from other countries. They emphasized that if the incoming administration and Congress enact laws that unfairly target these communities, they will respond legally to uphold justice.
Among Burmese activists, some are preparing to challenge the Trump administration and Congress on this matter, while others believe it will be important to engage closely with the new administration to make their voices heard. Some discussions have also revolved around whether the new U.S. government and Congress will increase attention on Myanmar due to its tense relationship with China, creating a potential advantage for Myanmar.
The closer alignment of China with Myanmar’s military council raises the question of whether to approach this dynamic as an opportunity for peaceful dialogue or to maintain a more adversarial stance. Activists within the Spring Revolution and its allied groups believe that showing restraint and focusing on Myanmar’s interests without antagonizing China might be wise. By demonstrating that the revolutionary groups can offer peace, security, and stability, they underscore their commitment to protecting Myanmar’s citizens and achieving long-term safety in contrast to the instability perpetuated by the military council.