The Burmese regime’s diplomatic strategy

There had been no news of Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader deposed and imprisoned by Myanmar’s military junta, since the coup on 1 February 2021: her son, Kim Aris, had been asking for months for proof that she was still alive and in good health. In the photos published yesterday by the government spokesperson, the Lady – as the Burmese call her – can be seen meeting Arnaud de Baecque, the resident representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who confirmed yesterday’s visit in a press release. It is the first visit by a foreign official and “the first positive development concerning her in over five years”, said Aris, who hopes it will lead to “greater humanitarian access, direct contact with my mother, credible and independently verified information on her state of health, and her immediate and unconditional release, along with all political prisoners”. In another photo, Suu Kyi is cutting her 81st birthday cake, on which is written in English: “Happy Birthday Aunt Suu 19.6.2026”.

Until now, the junta had refused to make any concessions regarding the leader; in recent months, it has come under repeated pressure from ASEAN and even from China. Yet, for the opposition in exile, this is neither a sign of change nor a softening of its stance; the regime’s intention is merely to end its diplomatic isolation and secure international approval. The Tatmadaw – Myanmar’s army – began its campaign to legitimise itself in the final days of last year with parliamentary elections that were described as a ‘farce’ and the change of role for the head of the junta, who was elected president in April.

Now Naypyidaw, with photos of Aung San Suu Kyi, feels justified in calling itself a ‘civilian’ government, whilst continuing to arrest and bomb its own civilians with impunity: according to the latest update from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, the military’s aerial bombardments have intensified since the start of the year, and the repression remains ruthless.