Saturday, November 28, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Will Myanmar’s Military Sever Its Relationship With the Union Solidarity and Development Party?

Posted: 27 Nov 2020 10:00 PM PST

The Irrawaddy explores whether the USDP's repeated failures at the polls will move the Tatmadaw into a new era with the governing NLD.

Irrawaddy Business Roundup

Posted: 27 Nov 2020 06:30 PM PST

As Myanmar continues to attract foreign investment, a sweeping study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has called for reform of state-owned industries.

Friday, November 27, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Defense Minister Tipped to Become VP in New Govt

Posted: 26 Nov 2020 06:30 PM PST

Lt-Gen Sein Win is expected to be the military's choice for vice president in the new administration; experts say his appointment could herald warmer civil-military ties.

Making Myanmar’s Markets Work for Safe Farmers

Posted: 26 Nov 2020 05:30 PM PST

A farmer group hopes its "safe food" pilot can introduce the benefits of organic produce to Myanmar's consumers.

Thursday, November 26, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


After Election Victory, Myanmar’s Ruling Party Under Pressure to Get Cabinet Picks Right

Posted: 26 Nov 2020 04:30 PM PST

Aware of the poor reputations of many current ministers, the NLD has vowed to take the public's views into consideration when appointing the new government's cabinet.

Villagers Flee Their Homes After Myanmar’s Military Clashes with TNLA

Posted: 26 Nov 2020 03:28 AM PST

Almost 1,000 villagers are seeking shelter in Mogoke after the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and Myanmar's military clashed near their homes this week.

Defeated NLD Candidate in Myanmar’s Shan State Alleges Militia Interference

Posted: 26 Nov 2020 02:20 AM PST

National League for Democracy candidate S Mar Gam says an armed group forced residents to vote for his Union Solidarity and Development Party rivals.

Chinese Fences Near Shan State Boundary Renew Border Tensions With Myanmar

Posted: 26 Nov 2020 12:04 AM PST

The Myanmar military and Kokang officials have complained to China about its unilateral move to put up fences near the country's border with Shan State.

Warming India-Taiwan Ties Create Headache for China in Indo-Pacific

Posted: 25 Nov 2020 05:31 PM PST

With India intent on reducing its reliance on China, Taiwan can help bridge the commercial and technological breach resulting from souring New Delhi-Beijing ties.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Thousands of Rakhine Civilians Return Home Amid Stability in Western Myanmar

Posted: 25 Nov 2020 06:31 AM PST

Fighting has recently ceased between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army with civilians hoping the ceasefire can be extended into 2021.

Myanmar’s Corruption Commission Tops Regional Poll

Posted: 25 Nov 2020 03:27 AM PST

The Anti-Corruption Commission of Myanmar has won the most praise in a Transparency International study assessing how Asia-Pacific citizens rate their anti-graft bodies.

Myanmar’s Second Investment Policy Review Urges Further Liberalization

Posted: 25 Nov 2020 03:23 AM PST

Myanmar's latest investment policy review urges eased restrictions on foreign participation in key sectors while calling for transparency and environmental protections.

Taiwan Launches Construction of First Indigenous Submarine

Posted: 25 Nov 2020 12:10 AM PST

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday launched the island's first submarine-building project, made possible with sensitive parts supplied by the US.

Myanmar’s Ethnic Parties Cautiously Optimistic About Outreach From Victorious NLD

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 10:30 PM PST

Some wonder whether the National League for Democracy's leadership is prepared to 'walk the walk' and not just 'talk the talk'.

How Myanmar’s Foreign Policy Is Likely to Evolve in the NLD’s Second Term

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 06:30 PM PST

In its next term, the government will need to engage its neighbors and regional powers, upholding the NLD's vow to pursue an "active and independent foreign policy".

Japan Reiterates Concerns Over Disputed Islands to China’s Foreign Minister

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 05:58 PM PST

The Japanese government has raised concerns over Chinese coast guard patrols near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in a meeting with the Chinese foreign minister.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Rights Groups Demand Release of Myanmar Students After Rakhine Protests

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 04:04 AM PST

Student activists who condemned internet restrictions in Rakhine and Chin states and called for a ceasefire have faced heavy jail sentences.

Japan Reveals Full Commitment to Myanmar’s Dawei SEZ

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 03:02 AM PST

Japan's ambassador to Myanmar, Ichiro Maruyama, says Tokyo is committed to seeing the Tanintharyi Region project boost Asia's economic connectivity.

12 Asean Briefing Notes for President-Elect Biden

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 02:36 AM PST

Joe Biden has to work to rebuild Barack Obama's relationship with Asean after four years of neglect, argues political commentator Kavi Chongkittavorn.

NLD Election Win Raises New Questions Over Myanmar Military Chief’s Future

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 12:38 AM PST

Given the military proxy USDP's poor election result, the armed forces chief may be reconsidering his rumored political ambitions, but is he too old to stay on as chief?

Nine Firms Qualify to Challenge Chinese Proposal for Myanmar’s New Yangon City Project

Posted: 24 Nov 2020 12:34 AM PST

Six foreign firms are among nine companies that will have the right to submit rival bids to develop the huge New Yangon City project proposed by China's CCCC.

Biden to Nominate Longtime Aide Blinken as Secretary of State

Posted: 23 Nov 2020 08:50 PM PST

US President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate veteran diplomat Antony Blinken as his secretary of state, suggesting US foreign policy will return to multilateralism.

Trump Authorizes Start of Transition to US President-Elect Biden

Posted: 23 Nov 2020 08:40 PM PST

US President Donald Trump said he had authorized the relevant US official to take the steps needed to begin the transition of power to President-elect Joe Biden.

Monday, November 23, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


What Another NLD Victory Means for Myanmar and the World

Posted: 23 Nov 2020 06:13 AM PST

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's courage won voters' hearts long ago; it is her commitment to improving their lives and building a true democracy that continues to win their votes.

Myanmar’s Parties Demand Justice for Assassinated Shan State Newly Elected MP

Posted: 23 Nov 2020 04:42 AM PST

U Htike Zaw was shot dead at his home in Kyaukme Township, where civilians are often targeted, sparking fears that his death could start a wave of political violence.

22 Child Laborers Freed From Myanmar Bakery Amid Reports of Severe Abuse

Posted: 23 Nov 2020 02:52 AM PST

The children, some as young as eight, were tested for COVID-19 before being sent to a social welfare home. Ten of them tested positive.

Ex-Candidate From Myanmar’s Opposition Party Sued for Racially Charged Campaign Speeches

Posted: 23 Nov 2020 01:40 AM PST

The NLD has filed a lawsuit against a losing candidate from the USDP for using racial and religious language during two campaign speeches ahead of the Nov. 8 election.

G-20 Vows Fair Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines to All Nations

Posted: 22 Nov 2020 09:21 PM PST

Leaders of the G-20 group of major economies wrapped up their online summit with a vow that all nations would have equal access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Sunday, November 22, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


The Irrawaddy Business Roundup

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 06:45 PM PST

This week, Myanmar inked the world's largest free-trade pact, approved loans for pandemic-hit businesses and prepared to scale back COVID-19 restrictions.

Saturday, November 21, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


No Change in Our Commitment to Support Myanmar’s Economic Development: Japanese Ambassador

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 07:49 PM PST

Ichiro Maruyama also revealed Japan's key role in bringing AA, Tatmadaw and government together to set in motion a Rakhine State election.

Myanmar’s Losing Party Keeps Pushing Claims of Election Fraud and Seeks to Overturn Outcome

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 07:39 PM PST

Legal analysts dismiss the USDP's claims and warn the party it may find itself breaching the defamation law and COVID-19 restrictions.

The Day Myanmar Voted for the First Time

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 07:00 PM PST

A flawed voting process selected a rubber-stamp parliament while Myanmar was under British colonial rule. But it did introduce concepts of democracy to the population.

Will the Incoming Biden Administration Reshape US Policy Toward Myanmar?

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 06:30 PM PST

The Irrawaddy discusses the issue with the executive director of the Myanmar Institute for Peace and Security in search of an answer.

Friday, November 20, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Citizens Asked to Stay Home During Cool Season to Avoid COVID-19

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 05:52 AM PST

The authorities are reporting a spike in coronavirus cases after this week's National League for Democracy victory celebrations.

Western Media Fail to Grasp Meaning of Myanmar Ruling Party’s Election Win

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 05:20 AM PST

While insulting voters, Western media dismissed the NLD's election win as a display of blind faith in Suu Kyi; the world's understanding of Myanmar is the poorer for it.

Myanmar Condemns UN Rohingya Resolution

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 04:51 AM PST

The United Nations General Assembly handed Myanmar a heavy defeat over its treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State and other minorities.

Myanmar’s Decentralization Will Boost National Reconciliation: SNLD Spokesman

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 03:29 AM PST

Shan Nationalities League for Democracy spokesman Sai Leik says the new government should offer jobs to ethnic political leaders and devolve powers away from Naypyitaw.

US Navy Chief in Asia Stresses India’s Role in Regional Stability

Posted: 19 Nov 2020 09:13 PM PST

The commander of the US Navy's Seventh Fleet said India's role in the Quad defense grouping is important to regional stability as China increasingly flexes its muscles.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Proportion of Women in Myanmar’s Legislatures Rises Following Nov. 8 Election

Posted: 19 Nov 2020 05:03 AM PST

Civil society groups welcome the trend toward more female MPs, but some are frustrated by the slow pace of change.

Myanmar Considers Relaxing COVID-19 Restrictions

Posted: 19 Nov 2020 03:42 AM PST

Stay-at-home orders and restrictions on domestic travel could be eased while small religious gatherings may be permitted.

Myanmar’s Central Bank Updates Interbank Payment Network

Posted: 18 Nov 2020 11:58 PM PST

With help from Japan, the Central Bank of Myanmar has launched a revamped settlement system that allows 24/7 payroll, tax, bill and other payments between banks.

Pfizer to Seek US Green Light for COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Within Days’

Posted: 18 Nov 2020 09:09 PM PST

Drugmaker Pfizer plans to seek emergency use authorization in the US for its COVID-19 vaccine, which it now says is 95-percent effective, in the next few days.

The Day Myanmar’s Bodybuilding Pioneer Met His End in a Motorbike Accident

Posted: 18 Nov 2020 05:30 PM PST

Walter Chit Tun was not only a bodybuilder, but also a doctor and a movie actor known for his physique.