Myanmar Regime Moves to Stifle Reporting on Border Encroachment by China

Myanmar’s regime is pressuring media outlets based inside the country over their reports that China has been erecting border fences inside Myanmar territory in northern Shan State, claiming the coverage could harm its relationship with its most important ally.

On May 15, the regime-installed Myanmar Press Council summoned local media organizations to its office and said it had received a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting tighter scrutiny of reporting that could affect bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a person who attended the meeting.

A council official read aloud the ministry’s letter, which urged caution in reporting on issues related to foreign affairs and relations with China. Media outlets were also reportedly barred from publicly disclosing details of the meeting.