Battle Lines China’s sham election: Why Beijing is propping up Myanmar’s brutal junta
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Jan 21, 2026 In this insightful discussion, Sarah Newey, The Telegraph's Global Health Security correspondent, shares her on-the-ground experiences from Yangon amidst Myanmar’s sham election and humanitarian crisis. Joe Freeman from Amnesty International elaborates on the junta's efforts to regain legitimacy and the implications for civilians. Both delve into China’s strategic backing of the junta, the suppression of dissent, and the backdrop of a collapsing economy. They also highlight the contrast with 2015 democratic hopes and the urgent need for renewed international engagement.
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Everyday Life Hides Wartime Strain
- Sarah Newey describes Yangon appearing almost normal at first glance, with Christmas music and cafes open.
- She contrasts that with hidden economic collapse, absence of young people and stalled developments revealing deep wartime impacts.
Voting Is Coerced And Publicly Visible
- Voters feared speaking and faced severe punishments for opposition under a new election law.
- Visible inked fingers made voting status public and amplified coercion and surveillance.
Election As Credibility Laundering
- Joe Freeman says the military seeks credibility through elections to launder its legitimacy.
- He describes the vote as a crafted political maneuver to retain dominance after losing popular support.