With the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continuing its policy of excluding the military regime from its meetings, the latter is beginning to embrace the idea of isolation, as New Mandala reported on 7 March 2022. World Watch Research analyst Thomas Muller explains: "Myanmar"s isolation strategy, already known from the Cold War era, is termed "˜learning to walk with only a few friends". In the current geopolitical situation it means that the regime"s main friends are China and Russia, whose invasion of Ukraine has consequently not been condemned by Myanmar. In an attempt to hinder the activities of the exiled National Unity Government (NUG), the authorities revoked the citizenship of at least 11 key leaders of the NUG, including international spokesperson Dr Sasa, a Christian (UCA News, 7 March 2022)." Thomas Muller adds: "Meanwhile, the regime"s army continues to attack Christian churches and convents, with many recent reports coming from Kayah State (UCA News, 9 March 2022). There are no signs that the intensity of fighting or the deliberate targeting of the Christian minority will end anytime soon."