Spring Revolution – Mizzima Daily Notes

26 October 2026

Revolutionary Politics and Military Affairs

The National Unity Government (NUG) has called for stronger political unity, military coordination and strategic cooperation among revolutionary forces on the 66th anniversary of the founding of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO).

The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the KIO and other revolutionary allies to end military dictatorship and establish a federal democratic union.

Meanwhile, residents of Sagaing Township reported an increase in forced military recruitment and arrests. People were reportedly being detained in residential neighbourhoods and along roads, both during the day and at night. Reports also suggested that high school students could be required to participate in military conscription lotteries.

In another development, residents fled villages in Sagaing Township as Myanmar military troops advanced and reportedly set houses on fire. The operations followed the death of a military colonel who had been detained near the Kantalu village toll gate. A source from the Sagaing Township People’s Defence Force told Mizzima that military troops were advancing along two routes in an attempt to locate the colonel.

On 25 October, the Yinmarbin Township Strike Force announced that demonstrations had taken place in support of Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun continuing to represent Myanmar at the United Nations.

Human Rights and Social Affairs

Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, highlighted the worsening situation facing people with disabilities in Myanmar during a discussion at the UN Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee.

He said military violence, restrictions on humanitarian assistance and the destruction of rehabilitation services had disproportionately affected people with disabilities.

He also noted that economic deterioration following the military coup, rising living costs and the loss of employment opportunities had made daily life increasingly difficult.

Despite arrests, intimidation and violence, civil society organisations led by people with disabilities continue to oppose repression.

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun urged the international community to take decisive action to end military dictatorship, ensure accountability for human rights violations and end impunity in Myanmar.

Economy and Environment

Despite continuing political tensions between China and South Korea, cultural and commercial exchanges between the two countries remain active.

The appearance of South Korean K-pop star G-Dragon on advertising billboards in major Chinese cities illustrates the continuing influence of popular culture across political divides.

According to an analysis by the South China Morning Post, growing demand for television dramas, films, video games, food and tourism continues to create business opportunities and strengthen cultural connections across East Asia.

Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, beaches in Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah were closed following an offshore oil spill near Ras Al Khaimah. Authorities announced that the affected beaches would remain closed until further notice.

Thailand and Regional Developments

Thai military personnel clashed with suspected drug traffickers in Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai province on 24 October.

Thailand’s Pha Muang Force announced that approximately 900,000 methamphetamine tablets were seized following the confrontation.

The incident highlights continuing concerns over cross-border drug trafficking in northern Thailand.

International Developments

Taiwan: Typhoon Champi caused widespread disruption, with authorities recording 9,027 disaster-related incidents by the evening of 24 October. According to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operations Centre, one person was killed and 616 others were injured.

Caribbean and United Kingdom: As Caribbean nations continue to demand reparations for slavery, descendants of several prominent British families who benefited from the transatlantic slave trade have expressed support for compensation, according to AFP.

China: Widespread purges of senior military officials have raised concerns about the operational readiness of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). However, analysts suggest the dismissals are also consolidating President Xi Jinping’s control over the military.

North Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un returned home on 24 October following a one-day visit to Dandong, a Chinese city near the North Korean border, according to North Korean state media.

Tibet: An analysis of China’s policies in Tibet argues that Beijing has sought to incorporate Tibet’s distinctive geography, wildlife and natural resources into a broader Chinese national identity since taking control of the region in 1950–51. The analysis suggested that these policies have contributed to the erosion of Tibet’s cultural and national identity.

Sports

Myanmar-born UFC champion Joshua Van has announced his return for another title defence.

Van confirmed his participation in UFC 336 through a social media post, indicating that he is scheduled to face Angolan-born fighter Manel Kape.