BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military authorities and a significant ethnic insurgent faction from the northeastern region have reached a formal ceasefire agreement, as announced by China on Monday. This ceasefire, involving the military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), comes following the seizure of extensive territories along the border with China by the rebel group. It marks the second ceasefire established in a little over a year, taking effect on Saturday. A prior agreement made in January of last year failed to be upheld by either party involved.
The current truce was mediated by China in mid-January, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning mentioning the development in a daily briefing in Beijing. As the foremost foreign ally of Myanmar’s military rulers, who assumed power after the ousting of the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, China holds significant geopolitical and economic interests in Myanmar and closely monitors the instability along its border with the nation.
Mao Ning expressed hope that all involved parties would continue the momentum of the ceasefire and peace discussions, diligently implement existing agreements, take initiative in reducing tensions on the ground, and further engage in dialogue to resolve pertinent issues. She also stated that China is prepared to actively facilitate discussions and support the peace efforts in northern Myanmar, though she did not provide specific details, and there was no immediate commentary from Myanmar’s military government on the ceasefire.
The MNDAA is primarily composed of the ethnic Chinese Kokang minority. Last year, the group unilaterally declared a ceasefire in its ongoing conflict with the military, advocating for a dialogue mediated by China. They are part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which initiated a surprising offensive along the border with China in October 2023. Initially, China seemed to lend tacit support to this offensive, believing it would assist in dismantling illegal gambling and internet scams organized by ethnic Chinese criminals in the northeastern part of Myanmar. However, this military action also destabilized the grip of the Myanmar army in various regions across the country.
The ethnic insurgents have engaged in armed conflict for decades, demanding greater autonomy from the central government of Myanmar. They maintain a loose affiliation with the People’s Defense Force, a pro-democracy military group formed following the military takeover in 2021. In January of the previous year, Beijing leveraged its close relationships with both the military and the Three Brotherhood factions to broker a ceasefire in northern Shan state which lasted for five months until the ethnic alliance claimed the military had violated the truce and resumed their offensive in June.
In response to renewed attacks from the rebels, China displayed its displeasure by closing border crossings, cutting off electricity to certain Myanmar towns, and implementing other measures to reduce the conflict. Reports indicate that China has since reopened border checkpoints with areas controlled by the MNDAA and the United Wa State Army, another potent rebel faction in eastern Shan state, according to local media sources.
