BANGKOK — A significant ethnic militant group in Myanmar has proclaimed a unilateral ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with the ruling military authority, urging for dialogue under the guidance of China to aid in restoring peace in the country’s northeastern region.
China’s Foreign Ministry expressed its approval of this initiative on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of its relationship with Myanmar’s military government.
There was no immediate reaction from Myanmar’s military leadership regarding this announcement.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) made this declaration on Tuesday, following a similar statement from its ally, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which expressed willingness to engage in peace negotiations with the military.
Since the military coup in 2021, which removed the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has been engulfed in chaos. The coup triggered widespread protests, transforming into armed uprisings, and escalating into what many now describe as a civil war.
The MNDAA and TNLA are part of a rebel coalition that launched a surprise offensive in October of the previous year, capturing significant territories along the border with China. The MNDAA represents the Kokang minority, an ethnic Chinese group, while the TNLA advocates for the Ta’ang ethnic minority, commonly known as the Palaung.
Both groups have fought for decades seeking greater autonomy from Myanmar’s central government and are loosely affiliated with the People’s Defense Force (PDF), a pro-democracy resistance that emerged in reaction to military rule following the 2021 coup.
China seemed to tacitly endorse last year’s offensive by the rebel groups, as it aligned with its objectives of eliminating illegal gambling and internet scam operations led by ethnic Chinese gangsters in northeastern Myanmar.
However, this offensive also diminished the military’s control in other regions. A ceasefire in the northeast could allow the military to reallocate forces against resistance efforts in different areas.
Stability in Myanmar is crucial for China to safeguard its strategic and economic interests.
Last January, China attempted to mediate a ceasefire, which ultimately collapsed in June when the MNDAA and TNLA resumed attacks and captured vital cities along with the military’s northeastern command.
In response to the renewed violence, China reacted by closing border crossings, halting the supply of electricity to Myanmar communities, and implementing various measures to cease hostilities.
Recently, independent media in Myanmar reported that MNDAA Chief Peng Daxun had been detained in Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province, likely for pressuring his forces to retreat from the strategically important city of Lashio. However, Beijing denied these claims, stating he was receiving medical care.
In a statement posted on Tuesday via The Kokang, an online platform supported by the MNDAA, the group confirmed the immediate implementation of a ceasefire and called on the military to halt assaults.
The MNDAA expressed hope that outstanding issues could be settled through dialogue, facilitated by the Chinese government, and announced plans to send a high-level delegation for discussions.
In response to the MNDAA’s announcement, Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, commended the “positive remarks” made by the group.
He stated, “China is closely monitoring developments in northern Myanmar and has been urging the relevant parties to engage in dialogue and cease hostilities as soon as possible. Settling differences through peaceful means is imperative to avoid escalation.” He further emphasized the importance of maintaining security along China’s borders as well as the safety of its citizens and projects in Myanmar and pledged continued support for the peace process in northern Myanmar.
