A shadow government has directly challenged China, urging Beijing to cut ties with the military rulers. This bold move comes from the National Unity Government (NUG), which is opposing the current military regime. They warn that China’s ongoing support could seriously damage the long-standing friendship between their peoples.
Daw Zin Mar Aung, who serves as the NUG’s Foreign Minister, sent a formal letter to the Chinese government. The message was clear: stop recognizing Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his military command. She also asked China to stop calling Min Aung Hlaing the “acting president” of the country. According to a report by the Irrawaddy News Agency on September 4, 2025, the NUG first revealed sending this letter on September 1, 2025.
The letter also pressed China to reject any requests from the military for Chinese observers to monitor the upcoming elections. These elections are currently planned for between December 2025 and January 2026. The NUG insists that China can still help bring back peace and development to the country in a helpful way.
Daw Zin Mar Aung pointed out that China welcoming Min Aung Hlaing during his recent visit might stir up strong anger among the population. Such actions could weaken the good relations both nations have shared for many years.
She added that the military’s violent rule has caused the economy to crash. Almost half the population now lives in poverty. Foreign companies have pulled out their money and left. Important projects, like the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), are now stalled. This corridor was a major agreement made back in 2020 between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the former President U Win Myint.
The NUG also accused the military of letting online scam operations grow in areas they control near the border. These scam rings have reportedly cheated many Chinese citizens out of billions of U.S. dollars.
This letter was made public shortly after Min Aung Hlaing traveled to China. During his visit, he took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. He also attended a parade marking China’s victory over Japan in World War II. Leaders from more than 20 countries were there, including President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
