This month, we interviewed U Kyaw Zaw, spokesperson for the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar, to gain insights into some of the pressing issues facing the country today. U Kyaw Zaw addressed a range of topics, from the NUG’s stance on China relations and the implications of recent pressures on ethnic armed groups, to the military junta’s response to natural disasters and its controversial census efforts. Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis, he shared the NUG’s perspective on the challenges facing Myanmar and its hopes for continued international support and intervention.
[U Kyaw Zaw kindly answered our questions in a voicenote, therefore, we slightly edited some of his answers to adjust in the interview format while we ensured that the answers remained true to his original voicenote.]
Given China’s regional influence and reports of increased pressure on northern ethnic armed groups, how does the NUG view its relationship with China? What assurances can the NUG provide about the stability of foreign investments, particularly Chinese investments, during this revolutionary period?
I just want to reiterate what we have said in our Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement issued on January 1, 2024. It provides a detailed outline of our policy and stance on China, such as the friendly relationship between our two countries and the importance of people-to-people relations. We aim to maintain good neighborly relations and guarantee protection for legitimate Chinese investments—and, indeed, for all legitimate foreign investments. In particular, the statement highlights protection for Chinese investments made before the coup, and more importantly, our adherence to the One China policy, which we have clearly stated. These represent our policy and our position, and we stand firm on them as outlined in our January 2024 statement.
We recognize China as a regional superpower and continue to view China as a good neighbor. However, we have seen numerous media reports indicating that China is putting pressure on ethnic armed organizations, especially northern ethnic groups. I am concerned it could lead to public misunderstanding about China and may even stoke anti-China sentiment. I hope it won’t, as we in the NUG are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with China as a good neighbor.
How has the NUG engaged with ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces, including the Three Brotherhood Alliance, to build a united front against the military dictatorship?
Since the NUG was formed, we have reached out to all revolutionary forces and pro-democracy movements—not only the Three Brotherhoods but also all the ethnic armed organizations. We’ve engaged with nearly all armed revolutionary and political forces fighting against the military dictatorship in Myanmar. I cannot reveal specifics about our relationship with each group, but I can say that we maintain a cordial friendly relationship with almost all ethnic organizations (EROs), and we have built strategic alliances.
All those committed to ending the military dictatorship in this people’s revolution are united. We are united against the military dictatorship, united to end this brutal terrorist military junta that kills innocent civilians daily and increasingly targets vulnerable civilians. The recent inhumane, unspeakable killing in Budalin Township is beyond words—attacks on civilians, including the elderly, women, and children.
With the military regime initiating a census that may expose dissidents and CDM staff members to risk, what is the NUG’s assessment of this process, and what message does it want to convey about the legitimacy of these efforts?
The military junta, the terrorist military junta, has initiated a sham census collection. Initially, they announced that they would collect data between October 1 and October 15. According to their own media mouthpiece, fewer than 80 towns were able to participate in this collection. Now, the junta is advising the remaining households to contact their respective census committee. Field collections have clearly been unsuccessful.
As the junta’s control over territories shrinks, even in areas they still control, they haven’t achieved full public participation in the census collection. This census is purely a show—a sham census collection—and we will wait to see what numbers they announce, likely in December. We will then witness how they intend to lie again to the people and the international community. The census collection and its data release will undoubtedly be full of lies.
For the public who feel compelled to participate in the census—either as data collectors or providers—what perspective does the NUG offer?
I don’t need to advise the people on what to do; the people know what to do. The people of Myanmar are united against the brutal military dictatorship. We all know how to be part of the revolution to end this dictatorship in whatever way we can. Therefore, I don’t have to advise the people of Myanmar. They understand what they are supposed to do, and they plan to act accordingly.
Despite the hardships created by both man-made and natural disasters, how does the NUG see the public’s continued support for the revolution, and what message would it like to share with those who remain committed?
In our country, unfortunately, man-made disasters, such as those created by the terrorist military, have reached historically high levels. We have over four million internally displaced people, and more than 18 million people need humanitarian assistance, which is about half of the population. The sole culprit, the sole responsible party, is the terrorist military. They are responsible for the violence and atrocities that destroy people’s livelihoods and create a humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
On the other hand, the people of Myanmar are also facing natural disasters, particularly the recent flood crisis. People are suffering even more because the terrorist military blocks humanitarian aid, using it as a weapon. The international community must put pressure on the terrorist military junta to allow unblocked and unrestricted humanitarian aid to flow to those in need. At the same time, the international community must find alternative ways to reach the most vulnerable populations, many of whom live in liberated areas not controlled by the military junta. International humanitarian aid organizations and the international community should coordinate with us—revolutionary forces, resistance authorities, and civil society organizations on the ground—to deliver aid effectively to those in need.
