Myanmar faces its biggest challenge yet to its rule amid recent setbacks in war with rebel groups

Myanmar rulers are facing the biggest challenge to their authority since the military junta seized power during a coup in 2021. Intense fighting between military forces and rebel groups in the country’s border regions with China, as well as mass desertions of Myanmar soldiers, have been reported since October 2023.

After two and a half years of fighting insurgents and with the second anniversary of the coup approaching, some observers say the junta is looking relatively vulnerable.