Military council leader Min Aung Hlaing’s recent press conference remarks in Belarus have drawn criticism from media experts for conflating unrelated concepts of economic sanctions and computer software. During the March 7 press conference, Min Aung Hlaing claimed that when faced with economic sanctions, computer software would gain more collective strength and increase competition, a statement that has left many puzzled by its lack of logical connection.
U Toe Zaw Latt, Secretary of the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM), analyzed that Min Aung Hlaing’s statement demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of both economic sanctions and computer software. He emphasized that there is absolutely no connection between economic sanctions and computer software, and that Min Aung Hlaing’s statement cannot be interpreted in any meaningful way. The IPCM secretary suggested that the military leader might have confused sanctions with some aspect of computer software, highlighting a concerning lack of understanding of basic international policy concepts.
A veteran domestic journalist also noted that while Min Aung Hlaing’s comments were published in both Myanmar and English language state-controlled newspapers, the statements revealed his poor grasp of English terminology. The journalist drew parallels to similar linguistic confusion during the previous administration of Thein Sein, suggesting a pattern of misunderstanding and misuse of English terms among military leaders. The confusion between sanctions and software particularly stands out as an example of how military leadership often mishandles international communication.
Further evidence of Min Aung Hlaing’s linguistic limitations was apparent during his meetings with Russian President Putin and the Belarus President, where he relied entirely on interpreters, being unable to communicate in English. Additionally, on March 4, he presented Putin with a book claiming prophetic connections between Putin and an ancient mouse king, despite lacking any historical or documentary evidence. This incident, combined with his confused statements about sanctions and software, has led observers to question his understanding of international relations and diplomatic protocol, highlighting the broader concerns about the military council’s capacity for effective international engagement.
