Myanmar government forces and rebels cease fire

Myanmar's military and a coalition of three armed groups in the north have announced a ceasefire under a China-brokered deal.

Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the Myanmar military government, announced on January 12 that "with the help of China, a meeting was held in Kunming city, we reached a ceasefire agreement."

"We plan to discuss further and strengthen the ceasefire agreement. We will engage in further discussions between Myanmar and China on reopening the border crossings," said General Zaw Min Tun.

The Brotherhood Alliance in northern Myanmar also announced a ceasefire with government forces on the same day. Representatives of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) armed group Tar Bhone Kyaw said they "agreed to reopen cross-border trade" with China.

Members of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) stand guard in Namhkam town, Shan State, Myanmar in November 2023. Photo: AFP

A TNLA leader said the two sides had agreed to halt their advance. "According to the agreement, the alliance will refrain from attacks on government barracks and towns. The Myanmar military will not launch air strikes or heavy weapons attacks," the TNLA leader said.

The Brotherhood Alliance in northern Myanmar includes the TNLA, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA). The other two groups have not commented on the information above.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry revealed on the same day that the ceasefire talks were held on January 10-11 in Kunming City, Yunnan Province. Mao Ning, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said the two sides agreed to resolve the conflict through peaceful negotiations. Both sides also pledged not to harm civilians in the Myanmar-China border area.

"China hopes that relevant parties in Myanmar will seriously implement the ceasefire agreement reached and exercise maximum restraint," Ms. Mao said.

Conflict erupted in northern Myanmar in October 2023 when a coalition of armed groups launched an offensive against government forces, seizing several towns and trade centers between Myanmar and China.

After a shell from Myanmar hit Nantan Township in Yunnan Province on January 3, China expressed “strong dissatisfaction” over the armed conflict that injured its people and sternly communicated with relevant parties.

Fighting in northern Myanmar has prompted other rebel groups to join the attack on government forces, spreading the conflict to the east and west of the country. According to the United Nations, more than 300,000 people in Myanmar have been displaced by the recent conflict.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Reuters )

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