Even as it marks the 80th anniversary of victory over fascism in World War II, China is propping up a regime in Myanmar that commits atrocities on a massive scale, says Thet Htar Maung.

Today our editors discuss the junta’s attempts to befriend the international community on whatever terms. Would even renewed U.S. interest be welcome?

Regime’s Election Commission purges four parties—three national and one regional—for allegedly failing to meet registration requirements.

China’s oil and gas pipelines across Myanmar enrich Beijing and the junta, but villagers along the route face threats to their livelihood and live in a climate of fear.

The ethnic army said 70 junta troops were killed in clashes in Ngape, where the regime has been deploying large numbers of conscripts in a bid to regain lost ground.

The man was mauled by six or seven of the big cats when he stepped out of his car at Safari World Bangkok, which said it would review safety measures.

A current-affairs blogger from Shan State has been sentenced to seven years for mocking the regime’s ability to keep basic order across the country.

Troops backed by Karen militias push south along the Thai border, retaking positions with little resistance.

The recent SCO meeting in China was said in the global press to have “ushered in a new world order.” Did it? our editors wonder. And if so, how long can it last?

The NUG needs a new strategy as the regime’s staged polls threaten to silence dissent, trap the opposition and draw ASEAN into complicity.

Soldiers patrolled the streets of the capital after the country’s worst unrest in 20 years left 19 dead as youth protested corruption and a social media ban.

Rights group JFM said Geedge Networks, led by Great Firewall architect Fang Binxing, and 13 Myanmar telecom firms are enabling regime surveillance, torture and killings.

Two KNA chiefs among nine entities targeted for running notorious international crime hub in Shwe Kokko.

Regime claims young people fighting in People’s Defense Forces were “deceived” by the parallel National Unity Government and can expect leniency if they lay down arms.

Reports of the 80-year-old’s worsening heart problems have triggered debate in China’s policy circles as the junta denies any crisis and blocks access.

The sham vote will only encourage resistance forces to fight harder, the NUG said on the fourth anniversary of its declaration of war on the junta.

Regime troops are advancing south after recapturing the Asian Highway to Myawaddy on the border with Thailand.

The Supreme Court ruled that the polarizing former premier improperly served a 2023 prison term in hospital.

Min Aung Hlaing secures Beijing’s full backing, Belt and Road MOUs, and meetings with Xi, Putin, and Kim—while rebellion rages at home.

Despite Min Aung Hlaing’s repeated pitches in Tianjin and Chengdu, observers say the junta cannot guarantee the stability or security needed for Chinese projects.

Traders warn of shortages and price rises after regime shuts Myawaddy-Mae Sot route and keeps tight restrictions at two alternative crossings.  

A spokesman said reports she is suffering from a worsening heart condition were ‘fake news’ designed to distract from junta boss Min Aung Hlaing’s recent visit to China.

The Bhumjaithai leader takes charge after Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s removal, but will have to call elections with four months.

The resistance Karen National Liberation Army (KNA) has been routed from Thinganniyaung along the strategic trade route, which it had held since 2023.

Fierce fighting has erupted near the Rakhine State border as the regime tries to push the Arakan Army (AA) out of neighboring heartland regions.

Also this week, Min Aung Hlaing bragged about a ‘successful’ China trip and schmoozed fellow dictators.

Saw Chit Thu’s Karen Border Guard Force promised to “specially assist” voting in the parts of Myawaddy Township it controls and help political parties “indiscriminately.”

Regime troops recapture key outpost linking Yaw to Sagaing and Chin State.

Son makes impassioned plea for help as imprisoned democracy leader needs to see a heart specialist but is being held incommunicado in a junta jail.

Decision by Myanmar’s most powerful armed group to withdraw support for resistance forces could reshape the country’s civil war.  

New order forces firms to submit bank and director information to DICA, as the regime seeks to crack down on “terrorism” funding and money laundering.

Deputy commander of Southeastern Command put in charge of massive efforts to take back the Kawkareik-Myawaddy road from the Karen resistance.

NUG warns endorsement of Min Aung Hlaing and his sham election threatens long-standing friendship between the two peoples.

Composer Myoma Nyein’s band is in hot water again after granting permission for the National Democratic Force to use the song “Lu Chun Lu Kaung” as a campaign anthem.

This week’s editorial discussion plots the Spring Revolution’s future after the United Wa State Army bowed to Beijing.