Following 10 years of gradual progress on political and economic liberalization—and a landslide victory for the NLD in the 2020 election—the Burmese army took power in a coup on February 1, 2021, just hours before the newly elected members of Parliament were set to convene. The army has quickly reversed hard-won progress toward democracy and human rights in Burma. It has arrested elected officials, activists, and journalists, done away with even the most basic civil and political rights, blocked access to social media, and, intermittently, to the internet entirely.

Type: Fact Sheet

As Myanmar’s civil war grinds on and increasingly threatens China’s interests, Beijing has stepped up its engagement with all sides, especially Myanmar’s junta. The announcement that China and the junta plan to “establish a joint security company to protect Chinese investments and personnel in Myanmar” has raised concerns and speculation that this initiative could worsen the conflict and endanger the Myanmar people and Chinese nationals working in Myanmar.

Type: Analysis

Myanmar's post-coup conflict has now stretched into its fourth year, with no resolution in sight. Far from subsiding, the conflict has escalated dramatically. Last year was particularly devastating for the Myanmar military, marking its worst losses in history. The fall of key military strongholds in Lashio and Ann stands as the most significant events but is only part of a broader pattern of losses; 91 towns and 167 military battalions have been lost, signaling a crisis of unprecedented scale for the regime.

Type: Analysis

For decades, mainland Southeast Asia has been a center for transnational criminal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering and, most recently, online scam operations. After several governments in Southeast Asia cracked down on criminal gangs over the last decade, many of them — particularly those that are Chinese-run — have relocated to the Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet. Some have also moved to autonomous Special Economic Zones, such as those in Laos and Myanmar, that are in some cases under the rule of local militias and where regulations are limited. China has been watching these developments closely.

Type: Analysis