The rise of UWSA

Over the past two years, I have been following Wa Channel and Wa State TV media anticipating insights into the activities of the United Wa State Army (UWSA). Throughout this period, UWSA has maintained a relatively low profile on social media, behaving pretty well I would say, not doing anything falan falan on social media, even in the aftermath of the Myanmar military coup in February 2021, where they are sidelining their military strength.

I also wanted to see how Tun Myat Naing’s ambition align with the de facto state of Wa and his adaptation on how Wa state was shielding its territory against the arbitrary despotism of the Myanmar regime. 

Recently, it seems that the UWSA is inching closer to wielding its sovereignty and bolstering its military capabilities. I applaud for that. However, the governing principles of the state and their commitment to upholding the rule of law remain largely unknown to the Burmese people. 

I am skeptical that UWSA's inclination to extend its military campaigns to the lowlands and establish authority there. The substantial cultural differences and the unpredictable behavior of the Burmese people pose significant challenges to such an expansion. 

In revisiting the latest iteration of the United States' Burma Act, now incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2023, I noted substantial differences from the original version introduced in the Senate and passed by the House of Representatives. This revised Burma Act appears to lend support to the National Unity Government (NUG) but does not explicitly endorse Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) or People's Defense Forces (PDFs). I wonder what would entail with the latest swing of NUG’s foreign policy towards China, but I do not think it matters either way. 

Washington's political stance on Myanmar reflects a stringent criterion: anyone, be it activists, politicians, or lobbyists, who approach Washington must pass the "Rohingya exam." United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) announcement of an additional $87 million to support Rohingya refugees in December 2023. The Biden administration has also declared $116 million in humanitarian assistance for the people in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the region. It is apparent that the U.S. aims to decisively resolve the Rohingya crisis, ensuring it does not recur. Given that this financial aid is sourced from taxpayers, it is likely that Republicans will seek to shift their focus towards domestic affairs in the long run