Myanmar’s military seek new foreign partners

Significance

Discussion included the Northern Alliance of four ethnic minority armed groups fighting the Tatmadaw in north-eastern Myanmar bordering China. The meeting exemplifies the military's formal and central political role in Myanmar’s foreign affairs.

Impacts

• The civilian-led government will share responsibility (and blame) with the military for continued internal conflicts.
• Military crackdowns on ethnic militias and the Rohingya will cause foreign policy controversy for the civilian government.
• The Tatmadaw and civilian government could clash over defence expenditure levels.