During a press conference in Belarus, military council leader Min Aung Hlaing made confusing statements that incorrectly linked economic sanctions with computer software, according to news sources. At the press conference held on March 7, he claimed that when faced with economic sanctions, computer software would gain more collective strength and increase competition. However, experts pointed out that there is no logical connection between economic sanctions and technological software applications.
U Toe Zaw Latt, Secretary of the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM), analyzed that Min Aung Hlaing appeared to have spoken without properly understanding the meanings of economic sanctions and computer software, making arbitrary connections between unrelated concepts. Additionally, a veteran domestic journalist noted that similar to how former leader Thein Sein had previously misused terms regarding the constitution, Min Aung Hlaing now seems to have misunderstood and incorrectly applied English terminology, demonstrating a lack of proper comprehension of the terms he was using.
It has also been observed that Min Aung Hlaing lacks the ability to communicate directly in English during international engagements. In his meetings with Russian leader Putin and the Belarus President, he relied entirely on interpreters while speaking in Myanmar language. Furthermore, during his March 4 meeting with Putin, he presented a book claiming Putin was mentioned in Buddhist prophecies, despite lacking historical evidence or documentation. These incidents, combined with his internationally questionable statements, demonstrate his limited understanding of international affairs, according to analysts. His confused statements about sanctions and software, along with other diplomatic missteps, have raised concerns about his capability to engage effectively in international diplomacy and understand global issues.
