China and neighbors pressure Myanmar as regime reels from battle losses

BANGKOK -- Stunning gains by resistance forces in Myanmar and resulting shifts in territorial control between key armed groups have prompted concerned countries -- notably China, the U.S., Thailand and Japan -- to recalibrate their stances toward the military regime.

Ahead of Wednesday's expiry of the current six-month period of emergency rule in Myanmar, pressure has intensified on regime head Min Aung Hlaing for a leadership change and implementation of long-promised elections. Speculation is also growing about the possible release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the state counselor whose elected government was overthrown on Feb. 1, 2021. This has been fueled by at least two recent visits by top regime officials to Suu Kyi, who is being held at an undisclosed location in Naypyitaw, the capital.