Analysts have criticized the junta-led election as a ‘Made-in-China process’ designed to serve China’s interests by undermining Myanmar’s sovereignty.
Analysts and activists have warned that the essence of the sham election, held in three phases two weeks apart starting December 28, 2025, is to advance China’s economic and political interests.
“If we pay attention to what China’s special representative for Asia, Deng Xijun, has said, it’s clear that China has broken its own promise not to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs and pressured Myanmar to hold this election. It even looks like the junta leader wasn’t ready, but was pushed into holding the election hastily because of China’s pressure,” said Sai Muang, editor-in-chief of the Shan Herald Agency for New.
Speculation suggests that China may have pressured the junta to hold the election to revive the stalled Silk Road project under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the planned Myitsone Dam in Kachin State.
Deng said in late December that the Myanmar election was the result of a compromise between the Chinese president and the junta leader, making China’s meddling increasingly evident.
The junta leader may have used the election as leverage to satisfy China’s push to restart the Myitsone Dam project, which is struggling to move forward due to widespread opposition, said San Htoi, a spokesperson for the Kachin Women’s Association Thailand (KWAT).
“The junta’s election is basically a Made-in-China affair. They’re also trying to get the Myitsone Dam construction back on track in Kachin State. It’s pretty clear these moves are all aimed at pleasing China,” she told NMG.
The first and second rounds of the junta’s three-phase election were held on December 28 and January 11, yet it continues to lack international recognition.
“No matter how the election turns out, there’s no sign that the international community is going to recognize it,” said Daw Tin Tin Nyo, a member of the policy steering committee of the Burmese Women's Union (BWU).
Following the coup, the junta lost much of its territory and resources amid growing armed resistance. Relying on China for legitimacy, it appears the junta did not dare to defy Chinese influence and held the elections at China’s behest.
Experts have warned that the election is unlikely to offer a real solution to Myanmar's political crisis and that military tensions and human rights abuses may intensify afterward.
