During a press conference in Belarus, military council leader Min Aung Hlaing made confusing statements that inappropriately connected economic sanctions with computer software, according to sources. At the March 7 press conference, he claimed that when faced with economic sanctions, computer software would gain more collective strength and increase competition. However, experts note that these statements were difficult to interpret and lacked coherence.
U Toe Zaw Latt, Secretary of the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM), pointed out that Min Aung Hlaing appeared to have spoken without properly understanding the meanings of economic sanctions and computer software, noting that these two concepts are entirely unrelated. Additionally, a veteran domestic journalist compared this incident to former leader Thein Sein’s misuse of constitutional terminology, suggesting that Min Aung Hlaing similarly demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of international economic sanctions and technical terminology.
Min Aung Hlaing’s limited proficiency in English has been evident in international relations, as he relied on interpreters during meetings with Russian leader Putin and the Belarus President, communicating only in Myanmar language. Furthermore, his presentation of a book claiming Buddha’s prophecy about the ‘King of Rats’ to Putin on March 4, despite lacking historical evidence or documentation, has been cited by analysts as another example of his poor understanding of international affairs. The incident highlights the military council leader’s limitations in diplomatic interactions and comprehension of global matters, as noted by observers who continue to monitor his international engagements and public statements.
