The military junta in Myanmar has accused those sharing news of disruptions to the country’s peace and stability as “traitors,” dismissing the claims as propaganda. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit Myanmar for talks with Min Aung Hlaing, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Despite being a major ally and arms supplier to the junta, China also maintains ties with ethnic armed groups near its border.
Recent territorial losses by the military to an alliance of ethnic armed groups in northern Shan state have weakened the junta’s control, sparking rare public criticism of the regime. The capture of the military’s northeastern command in Lashio has led to accusations of foreign support for the opposition. Wang’s visit excludes a meeting with detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, emphasizing the military’s grip on power in Myanmar.