According to Radio Free Asia, the Chinese Communist Party has pressured the military junta and the Three Brotherhood Alliance to reach a ceasefire in the northern areas of Shan State. This area has seen significant fighting since October, when the alliance launched Operation 1027, a country-wide military attack on Junta forces, including up to 10 other ethnic groups.
This negotiation began on January 10th and ended today at the behest of the Chinese Special Representative for Asian Affairs, Teng Xiqun. Five representatives from MNDAA, seven representatives from TNLA, seven representatives from Rakhine Army AA, and five representatives from the Military Council, led by Lieutenant General Min Naing, attended the negotiations.
However, it is worth noting that the Chinese negotiated a similar ceasefire with the Arrakan Army group in December 2023, which has not been held in Northern Shan State. China’s representative to the current round of negotiations was especially focused on ensuring that these militant groups would not harm Chinese civilians. Earlier in January, cross-border artillery firing killed several Chinese citizens, as well as Junta airstrikes in residential areas in Myanmar.
When junta forces surrendered Laukkai to the rebels on January 4th, 2023, airstrikes attempted to blunt the rebel advance by indiscriminately targeting civilian areas. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning told the press that China is ready to support all measures to end the hostilities.
