(Dec 23): In August 2024, Myanmar’s ruling military junta was losing ground fast. It hopes the phased elections which begin on Sunday will give it a veneer of legitimacy and help it return to the global stage. It will also “give political cover to foreign governments” which want to engage with Myanmar, Vrieze said. After years of US-led condemnation, Trump has refrained from criticising the junta or denouncing the elections, despite bipartisan pressure. China provided key military and diplomatic backing when the junta risked losing control to rebels last year.

Source: The Edge Markets December 23, 2025 06:32 UTC