Summary of "တရုတ်အကြောင်း မကောင်း မရေးရ"

China-focused media warnings by Myanmar’s coup authorities

The junta government warned local media—summoning media outlets on May 15—not to publish or report information in ways that could “harm bilateral relations” when covering China-related news.

Attendees said the meeting followed instructions from the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs to scrutinize potentially sensitive reporting, and that the warnings were not meant to be publicly disclosed.

Background: reports of Chinese border expansion into northern Shan State

The warning was linked to extensive local reporting claiming China expanded its border fence into areas inside Myanmar, particularly in regions controlled by the Kokang AAA and Wadi Ak in northern Shan State.

Local sources told The Irrawaddy that reports about fence-building into Myanmar territory (in the Wan area) were true. The junta has repeatedly denied Chinese incursions in areas it claims it can inspect, and reportedly lost its northern border areas with China during the 27th military operation.

Criticism of junta media management and Chinese propaganda efforts

A local journalist argued that the junta pressures media to avoid answering directly whether territory is being invaded, instead steering coverage through state-controlled media structures such as the media council.

The journalist also criticized the idea of seeking Chinese support for the junta as improper, noting that China has faced heavy public backlash in Myanmar for supporting the coup from outside. The commentary suggests China is trying to repair its reputation through propaganda, especially via culture and arts.

High-level Chinese media officials’ visit and media “cooperation” activities

Chinese officials—including Xu Ming (China’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting; linked to the national radio/TV administration)—visited Myanmar from May to June. They met U Htein Lin (Myanmar’s Information Minister) and broadcasting officials such as U Ching Win.

This was described as the first visit by a top Chinese government media official since the coup. The meetings included plans for joint documentary production and a media cooperation agreement.

The delegation also visited Myanmar state media facilities (Myanmar Voice and Television Department) and observed recordings, including Chinese lessons and Myanmar–China friendship/song performances.

Linking influence to culture and language, not just state media

Analysts criticized China’s approach as politicizing Burmese public opinion through language and art, particularly alongside discussions about resuming Chinese projects.

Engagement with private media and military-linked business networks

Chinese Vice Minister of Information Zhang Xuemei met with Shwe Than Lwin, a prominent Myanmar TV/media figure closely tied to authorities since 1996 and connected through business interests.

China reportedly positioned the Skynet Media Group as a “bridge” for Myanmar–China relations, proposing:

possible mutual broadcasting of dramas,
media skills training, and
technical/filming cooperation.

The subtitles also emphasized Shwe Than Lwin’s broader ties to the military council and affiliated business structures, suggesting that media penetration extends beyond state media into private media aligned with junta interests.

Additional cooperation and political/economic alignment claims

The subtitles mention a Myanmar–China Cooperation Association memorandum of understanding in Yangon focused on information and technology cooperation.

They also reference China taking control of Yunnan Province under the Party (repeated lines in the subtitles) and discuss China’s broader strategy to strengthen influence amid ongoing political tension.