Global nuclear arms control under pressure in 2026
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THE fragile global legal framework for nuclear weapons control faces further setbacks in 2026, eroding guardrails to avoid a nuclear crisis. The first half of the year will see two key events: the US-Russia bilateral treaty, New START, expires on 5 February, and in April, New York hosts the Review Conference (RevCon) of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) -- the cornerstone of global nuclear security frameworks. The RevCon, held every four to five years, is meant to keep the NPT alive. But during the last two sessions, the 191 signatory states failed to agree on a final document, and experts expect the same outcome in April. “I think this is going to be a difficult RevCon,” said Alexandra Bell, head of US -based global security nonprofit the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, at a UN-hosted online conference in early December. “In terms of the current state and near future prospects of nuclear arms control architecture, things are bleak,” she added. Anton Khlopkov, director of Russian think-tank the Centre for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS), took an even starker point of view, saying at the same event that “we are at the point of almost complete dismantlement of arms control architecture”. “We should be realistic in the current circumstances. At best, I think we should try to preserve what we have,” he said. ‘Crumbling’ safeguards From US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to Russia’s test of the new Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and US President Donald Trump’s remarks about possibly resuming nuclear tests -- the international nuclear landscape darkened in 2025. At the same time, “the arms control architecture is crumbling”, Emmanuelle Maitre of France’s Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) told AFP. A key challenge hinges on a shift in global relations. Nuclear control had been built over decades around a Moscow-Washington axis, but China’s growing power and rapid technological advances have shifted the international playing field, which is simultaneously increasingly strained. “The growing interlinkage between nuclear and conventional forces and the emergence of disruptive technologies (such as the US Golden Dome defence system and new hypersonic weapons) have transformed traditional nuclear deterrence into a multi-domain concept, especially in a multipolar world,” said Peking University’s Hua Han. — AFP
In a democratic system, elections are of the utmost importance, and the voters must exercise their right to vote, which is one of their fundamental civic rights to choose and determine the future direction of the country. The Republic of the Union of Myanmar completed Phase I of the 2025 Multiparty Democratic General Election on 28 December.In Phase I, all can see that voters cast their votes actively and peacefully at the polling stations in 102 townships nationwide as responsible citizens without any pressure from 6 am until the closing of polling stations.While the government and the people were choosing the democratic path, terrorist groups continued violent extremism and carried out malicious and brutal acts with the intent to disrupt the election process, prevent eligible voters from reaching polling stations, destroy open polling stations, and intimidate voters. These acts included direct and indirect attacks such as firing homemade heavy weapons and rockets from a distance, detonating sound bombs, blocking transport vehicles used to carry voters to polling stations, issuing threat letters, dropping bombs using drones, firing from fixed-wing, and spreading false information.On the day of Phase 1 election, the terrorists committed destructive actions such as exploding homemade sound bomb at polling station 82 at the No 11 BEHS in Shwenyaungpin Ward in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State, firing 107mm homemade rockets into Shwetaung and Mingala wards in Loikaw Township, Kayah State, exploding homemade mines near KBZ bank in Ward 3 and near the Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge II in Ward 5, Myawady in Kayin State, attacking the government office of Taninthayi Region with fixed wings, blocking ways of 17 palm oil farmers who were going to the polling station from Maran nursery of Yuzana Palm Oil Company in Aungchantha village-tract, Khamaukgyi, attacking the polling station 2 in Shwebo, Sagaing Region, with bomb drops, firing six homemade rockets to the Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College (Sagaing), dropping bombs near the polling station 3 at the No 2 BEHS in Sawbwa 1 Ward, Tamu, attacking from the north and south of Katha Township using heavy and small weapons, attacking inner part of Nantawkyun village, Madaya and Aungmyaythazan townships in Mandalay Region using 107mm rockets, dropping bombs near general administrative office, court and central prison of Myingyan, opening fire near the polling station 64 in Zone 9 and near BEPS (Pyun) in NyaungU. The terrorists committed attacks in 11 townships out of 102 constituencies of Phase I, starting from 27 December until the evening of 28 December. Although only five civilians were injured, voters who firmly believed in democracy, had confidence in and supported the election management of the government queued to cast vote in 102 townships of Phase I election starting from 5:30 am on the morning of 28 December, and the voters who were still within the compound of polling station from the opening hour 6 am to 4 am and after 4 pm were also able to cast votes. By 5:30 pm, Phase I of the general election was completed successfully in 102 townships nationwide.During the pre-election period of the 2025 Multiparty Democratic General Election, terrorist groups also carried out acts intended to disrupt election-related processes. In 41 townships, they engaged in activities such as distributing and posting false propaganda leaflets in public places, organizing and inciting anti-election campaigns, writing incitements, hanging posters, shouting slogans and hurling insults to discourage voting, playing sound box, speaker urging people not to vote, destroying, toppling, or burning public awareness signboards and posters promoting successful elections (23 incidents), attacking election security members (four incidents), carrying out bomb attacks (six incidents), detonating homemade sound bombs (two incidents), bombing attacks using homemade grenades (six incidents), rocket attacks (three incidents), armed threats against responsible government officials and members of political parties (three incidents), and abductions (six incidents), amounting to a total of 54 acts of obstruction and destruction.Even though terrorist groups and exile media attempted through various means to undermine the success of the election process, weaken the multiparty democratic system, and defame it through false and misleading reports, the Government and the people who support multiparty democracy successfully held Election Phase I with freedom, fairness, and transparency. This was done in the presence of international election observers, diplomats, media representatives, and voters who personally cast their votes.Therefore, for the upcoming Phase II and Phase III, the government and officials of security and administration must make greater efforts to ensure that voters’ rights are fully protected to cast their votes safely. Responsible citizens who welcome and support democracy, and who desire nationwide stability, peace, and development, are urged to cooperate with the relevant authorities by reporting any information or suspicious activities related to terrorist movements to continue leading towards the democratic path through simple and peaceful means. — MNA/KTZHgnlm
THE fragile global legal framework for nuclear weapons control faces further setbacks in 2026, eroding guardrails to avoid a nuclear crisis.The first half of the year will see two key events: the US-Russia bilateral treaty, New START, expires on 5 February, and in April, New York hosts the Review Conference (RevCon) of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) -- the cornerstone of global nuclear security frameworks.The RevCon, held every four to five years, is meant to keep the NPT alive.But during the last two sessions, the 191 signatory states failed to agree on a final document, and experts expect the same outcome in April.“I think this is going to be a difficult RevCon,” said Alexandra Bell, head of US -based global security nonprofit the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, at a UN-hosted online conference in early December.“In terms of the current state and near future prospects of nuclear arms control architecture, things are bleak,” she added.Anton Khlopkov, director of Russian think-tank the Centre for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS), took an even starker point of view, saying at the same event that “we are at the point of almost complete dismantlement of arms control architecture”.“We should be realistic in the current circumstances. At best, I think we should try to preserve what we have,” he said.‘Crumbling’ safeguards From US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to Russia’s test of the new Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and US President Donald Trump’s remarks about possibly resuming nuclear tests -- the international nuclear landscape darkened in 2025.At the same time, “the arms control architecture is crumbling”, Emmanuelle Maitre of France’s Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) told AFP.A key challenge hinges on a shift in global relations.Nuclear control had been built over decades around a Moscow-Washington axis, but China’s growing power and rapid technological advances have shifted the international playing field, which is simultaneously increasingly strained.“The growing interlinkage between nuclear and conventional forces and the emergence of disruptive technologies (such as the US Golden Dome defence system and new hypersonic weapons) have transformed traditional nuclear deterrence into a multi-domain concept, especially in a multipolar world,” said Peking University’s Hua Han. — AFPgnlm
NDSC Information Team Leader Ma-J Gen Zaw Min Tun informed citizens and the media about the ongoing efforts to crack down on online gambling activities in the Myawady area, as well as the cooperation being carried out with international partners.He outlined international cooperation in combatting telecom fraud and online gambling in the Myawady Region including the operation of security forces together with departmental teams conducted in the Shwe Kokko area, located to the north of Myawady, 346 foreign nationals currently under scrutiny were arrested, blocking and apprehending individuals attempting to flee across the border, three areas within this zone where online gambling operations have been active such as KK Park area located to the south of Myawady, the Shwe Kokko area located to the north of Myawady, and Chongkhaed area lies at the southernmost end. In the KK Park area, the main entities involved are the Mulaei Alin Company and the Tran-Asia International Holding Group (Thailand).In the Shwe Kokko area, the entity involved is the Myanmar Yatai International Holding Group Company. In the Chongkhaed area, the Chongkhaed Garden Resort Company is involved. The foreign nationals involved in online gambling and telecom fraud operations arrived in these areas.Roughly 99.5 per cent of those foreign nationals engaged in online scams entered Myanmar through the neighbouring country. In those areas, ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and groups such as the KNU, the KNLA, some EAOs that are signatories to the NCA, as well as groups operating under the name of border guard forces, have been active.In the first area where the territorial clearance and Administration began – KK Park to prevent any chance of online gambling operations re-establishing themselves. To achieve that, 100 per cent of the buildings in that area were destroyed. Machinery was used to demolish structures, and some high-level explosive demolitions were also conducted.Regarding these demolitions, the neighbouring country has raised objections, saying that debris had fallen inside their territory. There are video records documenting these actions. Those records have already been shown, through video evidence that the debris did not fall into their territory.During that demolition, it was also clearly observable that no debris fell into their territory, not even into the river that forms the boundary between the two countries. Based on this, the operations to demolish and clear structures in the area are being continued.The NDSC Information Team Leader added that another point is that the United States issued a statement dated 12 November. This is the statement we came across today. In this statement, it says that the United States has formed the District of Columbia Centre.Strike Force (SCSF) to protect the US against telecom fraud schemes. When the announcement was examined, it’s found that it states the strike force was established to safeguard the United States from cyber-fraud activities, including cryptocurrency-related scams, based mainly in Southeast Asian countries.There are some notable phrases in the statement that it’s needed to point out. One unusual phrase appears in the third paragraph, where it alleges that transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operating through China are using cryptocurrency investments, fraudulent schemes, and various types of deception to steal the savings and livelihoods of Americans daily.Another section claims that scam centers are enriching “Chinese criminal networks” across generations by funneling money from the United States into their pockets. It also mentions Myanmar, stating that a group called Strike Force Burma carried out operations against two scam centers in Myanmar.As for how they conducted those operations – or whether they actually did . There has also been no evidence of such operations on the ground. The statement further claims that FBI agents were sent to Bangkok to work with the Royal Thai Police War Room Task Force to help dismantle fraud hubs in Myanmar, including places like KK Park. What it is presenting here is taken directly from their two-page statement.When these points are analyzed, it’s assessed that, rather than simply focusing on combating online fraud and online gambling – as they claim – the country may have a deeper hidden agenda behind these actions. As for Myanmar, in the northeastern Laukkai region, China–Myanmar Joint Task Force was formed to address online gambling and telecom fraud operations, and it is continue to implement those measures.In addition, in Kayin State’s Myawady area, the Myanmar-Thailand-China Trilateral Cooperation mechanism has been established, and that cooperation is still ongoing. On 14 November 2025, Myanmar delegation attended the six-nation meeting held in Kunming, China, where China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam discussed joint efforts to combat telecom fraud.Myanmar is also cooperating with this group. What’d like to emphasize here is that telecom fraud and online gambling do not harm only Myanmar. These crimes also target people from many countries around the world – anyone who can be deceived.As a matter of national responsibility, Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has instructed that these crimes must be addressed firmly.He has also spoken clearly about this during public meetings. This is a serious issue. Therefore, we urge all Myanmar citizens and all media organizations: if you receive any information related to telecom fraud or online gambling, please report it to the relevant authorities.Let us work together to confront this problem. The Government of Myanmar also want to state that the country will continue cooperating with the six-nation joint task forces and regional mechanisms to eliminate telecom fraud and online gambling operations from Myanmar’s territory and will work to root out these activities entirely.
Acts of terrorism propagating a wide range of hateful ideologies continue to injure, harm and kill thousands of innocent people each year. Terrorists show no regard for the lives, safety, or well-being of civilians in their armed conflicts, focusing solely on carrying out acts of terror to serve their own interests.While countries around the world widely condemn terrorism, victims and survivors often struggle to have their voices heard, their needs met, and their rights protected. Many feel overlooked once the immediate aftermath of an attack passes, which can have lasting effects on their physical and mental well-being. Few United Nations Member States have the resources or capacities to address the needs of victims for full recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society. Most victims require multi-dimensional support to cope with trauma and rebuild their lives.Nevertheless, the public should not passively tolerate or submit to the actions of terrorists. It is important to recognize that their collective strength is a powerful force. Only when the people stand together in unity can they overcome and defeat any form of actions of terrorism. What is needed is a firm determination among all of them to relentlessly combat and eradicate the ideology of terrorism.Member States bear the primary responsibility for supporting victims of terrorism and upholding their rights. The United Nations assists them in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by providing capacity-building support, technical assistance, and establishing networks. It also supports civil society organizations, including those representing victims. Indeed, it is necessary to encourage Member States to promote, protect, and respect the rights of victims.To commemorate the eighth International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the United Nations will host a pre-recorded high-level virtual event titled “United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism.” This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collaboration across communities, regions, and experiences. The International Day calls on everyone to listen to, support, and stand with victims in building a more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful future.In this regard, everybody needs to focus on their actions leading to the interests of people. If even their acts are legitimate, they have to analyze their actions to determine whether these might be similar to terror acts and their impacts or not. They need to always consider the lives of innocent civilians to avoid intentional or unintentional acts of violence against them. It is because those innocent people do not have any arms or tactics to fight terrorists in ordinary times.Nevertheless, the public should not passively tolerate or submit to the actions of terrorists. It is important to recognize that their collective strength is a powerful force. Only when the people stand together in unity can they overcome and defeat any form of actions of terrorism. What is needed is a firm determination among all of them to relentlessly combat and eradicate the ideology of terrorism.Share this post
The Cyber Security Law, enacted on 30 July 2025, is a crucial piece of legislation for today’s digital society. With over two decades of growth in Myanmar’s information and communications sector, the law brings attention to key issues that the public should be mindful of when using social networks. Hence, all users of information and communication technologies understand and comply with the provisions outlined in this law.The law comprehensively addresses critical issues concerning cybersecurity threats, attacks, and misuse. It details key information, outlines the roles of responsible agencies, specifies necessary actions, and describes enforcement procedures, appeal processes, as well as related offences and penalties. In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, it is essential for all technology users to carefully study, understand, and fully comply with the provisions of the Cyber Security Law.The Cyber Security Law is essential legislation that all online users must study, understand, and follow. It contains key provisions, especially for those using information and communication technologies for political or financial gain. The law also addresses matters of public concern, such as online fraud and gambling—issues that are being actively targeted by the government and international partners. Currently, illegal online scam operations are under investigation and prosecution, while collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries and global organizations are underway to combat the growing problem of online gambling and financial fraud in border regions.The Cyber Security Law outlines several important points that the public should be aware of. These include: unlawfully using cyber resources to steal or damage financial assets, or to incite others to commit such acts; establishing online gambling systems without authorization; and operating online service businesses without proper registration or licensing. Failure to apply for the required licences can lead to legal action, with specified offences carrying penalties.The law outlines key responsibilities for operators of digital platform services. It states that platform providers must take action if their platforms are used to disseminate content that incites hatred, disrupts unity or stability, spreads misinformation or rumours, or displays inappropriate content for public viewing. This includes sexually explicit images, videos, texts, or symbols involving children; content that violates existing laws; or actions that are illegal under the law.The law also covers the dissemination of information intended to harm an individual’s social or economic standing, the handling of complaints related to copyright infringements, and the encouragement, commission, support, assistance, or planning of acts of violence. These are among the key points that platform providers are required to be aware of and comply with.The law comprehensively addresses critical issues concerning cybersecurity threats, attacks, and misuse. It details key information, outlines the roles of responsible agencies, specifies necessary actions, and describes enforcement procedures, appeal processes, as well as related offences and penalties. In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, it is essential for all technology users to carefully study, understand, and fully comply with the provisions of the Cyber Security Law.
The Philippines and India have announced the establishment of a “strategic partnership,” following bilateral talks between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi yesterday.The two leaders presided over the signing of 13 bilateral agreements, including a declaration on the new strategic partnership and an “action plan” for its implementation up to 2029.According to the declaration, the strategic partnership, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and India, “marks a new chapter towards realizing the full potential for bilateral, regional and international cooperation between the two countries.” It then laid out a long list of goals, ranging from defense and security matters to trade, connectivity, political cooperation, and people-to-people relations.“Today, our relationship enters a new epoch,” Marcos said in a joint press conference after his meeting with Marcos at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. “India becomes only the fifth strategic partner of the Philippines.”Defense cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain, will form a core part of the strategic partnership, underpinned by a shared concern about China’s growing maritime capability, and its aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Earlier this week, the Indian and Philippine navies concluded their first joint exercise in the South China Sea, where the Philippines and China have clashed repeatedly over the past few years. The two-day drills, which took place off the western coast of the Philippines, included “a comprehensive series of high-level naval operations aimed at strengthening tactical coordination and joint maritime capability,” according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.Speaking to the press, Modi described the Philippines as an important partner in India’s “Act East Policy” and “Mahagasar” vision, both of which aim to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, to promote regional stability, and to counter China’s growing influence in the region.“Strengthening defense relations is a symbol of deep mutual trust, and as maritime nations, maritime cooperation between the two countries is both natural and essential,” Modi told the press after his meeting with Marcos at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Indian leader said that his country is “committed to peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region” and “supports freedom of navigation in accordance with international laws.” India is also in talks with the Philippines for the development of submarine infrastructure, the Indian Foreign Ministry said at a media briefing yesterday.The strategic partnership declaration lays out plans to institutionalize joint military exercises, enhance cooperation in maritime security, promote the “co-development and co-production of defense equipment,” among other things.While not mentioning China by name, the declaration expressed “concern for the situation in the South China Sea particularly with regard to coercive and aggressive actions that impact on regional peace and stability.” It also stated that the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, which supported most of the Philippines’ claims and stated that China’s maximalist claims have no ruling under international law, is “final and binding” and formed “the basis for resolving disputes in accordance with international law.”The new strategic partnership gives firm shape to the growing strategic alignment between the two nations. Last year, India revised its position on the 2016 South China Sea ruling, moving from acknowledgment to active calls for adherence. The Philippines is also the foreign country to purchase India’s Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, the second batch of which were delivered to the country in April of this year. Manila is also reported to be in talks for the purchase of the shorter-range Akash missile.In addition to ramping up maritime cooperation, Marcos told the press that the two nations will begin negotiations of a bilateral preferential trade agreement in a bid to “shepherd our commerce… towards a continued upward trajectory and expanded basket of goods.” The Philippines and India engage in relatively modest amounts of trade, which totalled around $3.3 billion in 2024. The two nations have also agreed to introduce visa-free entry for their respective nationals.According to The Inquirer, the Philippines has previously established strategic partnerships with Japan (2015), Vietnam (2015), Australia (2023) and South Korea (2024).Author: Sebastian StrangioSource: The Diplomat
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