Junta chief’s jet-setting ways raise eyebrows

By Admin 30 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

30 September 2025, Mrauk-U

Myanmar junta boss Min Aung Hlaing, who is under international sanctions for his 2021 coup, has travelled this year to Russia, China, Thailand, Belarus and Kazakhstan, with his trips abroad far outpacing the first four years of his regime.
 
The military regime said in a statement that the junta chief’s foreign trips were at the invitation of these countries, for study visits, attending summits, and for diplomatic cooperation.
 
But political and military analysts say the military regime, which is waging war across the country, is seeking international recognition for the upcoming elections, in addition to requesting assistance for security and weapons.
 
“The revolutionary forces are not afraid of the military, but they do have expectations from the international community. In this situation, Min Aung Hlaing is threatening us with both political and military means and is showing off his victory to foreign countries,” said Captain Zin Yaw, a participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).
 
Myanmar’s self-appointed acting President Min Aung Hlaing had made only three foreign trips since seizing power — twice to Russia and once to China — from June 2021 to the end of 2024.
 
According to a statement from the military regime, Min Aung Hlaing has visited five countries, some multiple times, so far in 2025: Russia four times, Belarus twice times, China twice, and Thailand and Kazakhstan once each, as well as attending the World Atomic Week Forum in Russia on September 24.
 
“It must be said that Min Aung Hlaing frequently travels abroad to encourage junta supporters and to show the opposition parallel administration National Unity Government and revolutionary forces that he has the backing of other countries,” Captain Zin Yaw added.
 
After losing significant swaths of territory across the country to anti-regime forces in 2024, Min Aung Hlaing’s foreign trips became more extensive, seeking to secure defence support from abroad.
  
“Min Aung Hlaing is going to Russia and Belarus mainly to obtain military equipment. Min Aung Hlaing is going to China and Thailand to resolve border issues, as well as gaining electoral support. The revolutionary forces need to create major changes, whether military or political, before Min Aung Hlaing’s plans can succeed,” said a political analyst in Arakan State.
 
Anti-regime forces have seized nearly 100 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, and clashes are currently taking place between the military and resistance forces in regions and states across the country. 
 
As Min Aung Hlaing attempts to obtain weapons, money and political backing from foreign trips, sanctions from Western countries, including the United States, are making it difficult for him to achieve his goals, political analysts say.