Conflicting Myanmar voices on Ukraine

Conflicting Myanmar voices on Ukraine
Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun. Photo: OPCW/Flickr

Confusion was the name of the game this week over Myanmar’s stance regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent voting on the crisis in the United Nations General Assembly.

Myanmar appeared like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde – one character but two very different personas.

First, we heard of the cheers from the generals in Naypyidaw supporting Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as, they claimed, it was a decisive move to protect the territorial integrity of Russia – essentially saying, well done Putin.

Then there was the vote by Myanmar in the UN General Assembly, where Myanmar joined with 140 other UN members to condemn Russia – speaking in no uncertain terms about the distain over the aggressive actions of Putin.

The two very different approaches were a reflection of Myanmar’s split political and diplomatic status.

In one corner, the illegal Myanmar junta seeks to retain strong ties with Moscow due to their diplomatic and material support in form of fighter jets and helicopters.

In the other corner, the representative of the National Unity Government (NUG) Kyaw Moe Tun seeks to run with the pack and their Western backers – hence the “Yes” vote to rap the actions of Putin.

These were the two different responses to the turmoil in Ukraine – a crisis of little or no direct consequence to the Golden Land.

Ironically, the Russian lap-dog approach of the men in green can seen to be tempered by closed-door discussions last week in Naypyidaw over their fears that the dragon on their border might resort to the very antics displayed by Russia. The generals mused - Might China do the same to Myanmar?

The Myanmar junta appears to live in fear of their northern neighbour in case they were to step in to safeguard threatened Chinese interests in Myanmar.

Beijing appears to make a fuss about stressing it does not invade other countries and territories – unlike certain Western countries, it says. Yet it is touchy about territory on its borders and periphery that it claims its own, not least the territory of Taiwan and islands in the South China Sea. The threatening gestures in the skies over Taiwan have analysts musing whether a Chinese-mainland invasion is imminent – particularly amidst the current turmoil of world affairs.

What happens in Ukraine would appear to have nothing to do with Myanmar. Yet the two heads of the country – the junta and NUG - know their views on the crisis do influence their relationship with their backers.