Myanmar's Army Chief Vows to Suppress Opposition

In a rare speech, General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, declared that his regime would decisively handle "acts of terror" by armed resistance groups and criticised countries that had condemned the coup as supporters of terrorism. The parade, held on Armed Forces Day, demonstrated the general's unchallenged authority over the army and the country, despite the widespread economic hardship faced by the Burmese people.

The parade was particularly noteworthy as it used to be called Resistance Day, in honour of the 1945 decision to resist the Japanese occupation, which may have been an uncomfortable memory for the army, given the popular resistance to its rule today. General Min Aung Hlaing's speech was filled with grievances, real and imagined, blaming British imperialism and Japanese fascism for dividing Myanmar's people and forcing the military to intervene repeatedly in politics over the past 75 years. The general also used Orwellian double-speak, blaming Aung San Suu Kyi and her party for attempting to seize power through their resounding election victory in November 2020 when it was the military who seized power at gunpoint, causing catastrophic damage to the country.

Despite promises to eventually hold elections and hand power to the winning party, General Min Aung Hlaing's version of democracy would be one where the military calls the shots, and no civilian will be allowed to challenge its dominance. With Aung San Suu Kyi convicted on implausible charges and locked up near where he spoke, the general's invitation to the international community to join him in achieving democracy is unlikely to produce a government in which civilians play a significant role.

Although Myanmar has been increasingly isolated by international censure and sanctions, it retains the support of China and Russia, whose attaches attended the parade. Russian and Chinese aircraft and helicopters, including ground attack planes and rocket launchers, were on display, sending a clear message that the army is strong, united, and able to impose its will on the country. This feels like a return to the suffocating repression of the past under authoritarian regimes, with the military aiming to crush internal enemies and defend unity above all else. Despite the worsening economic situation and an exhausted population, the military appears to believe that brute force will cement their regime.