A northern Myanmar rebel coalition on Friday reached a ceasefire agreement with the country's ruling military during discussions mediated by China, news agency Reuters reported citing parties involved in the matter. The development comes after an extended coordinated offensive that posed a significant challenge to the military junta's authority since the 2021 coup, as reported by Reuters.
The military, which ousted an elected government in 2021, has been in conflict with an alliance of ethnic minority militias aiming to reclaim control over their territories since late October. Notably, heightened violence has been observed along Myanmar's northern border with China.
This combined offensive, supported by a concurrent civilian-led pro-democracy government, presented the most substantial military threat to the junta post-coup. It has also raised concerns in China regarding potential disruptions to border trade and an increase in refugees.
On Friday, a representative from the TNLA, a rebel group, informed Reuters that the "Three Brotherhood Alliance" and the military had mutually agreed to cease fire without advancing further. The spokesperson chose to remain anonymous, citing the issue's sensitivity.
The agreement specifies that the alliance will abstain from launching offensive actions against military bases or towns. Meanwhile, the military commits to refraining from initiating attacks using airstrikes, heavy artillery, or other substantial weapons.
China's foreign ministry confirmed that peace negotiations occurred in Kunming from January 10-11. During these talks, both sides consented to an immediate cessation of hostilities. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, indicated that both parties also vowed to safeguard residents along the Chinese border, the report said.
Mao Ning emphasised China's expectation for all relevant parties in Myanmar to adhere to the ceasefire agreement diligently and exhibit utmost restraint. Last month, Beijing had noted an earlier agreement between the factions to a temporary ceasefire and continuation of dialogue.
Nonetheless, skirmishes persisted in northern Shan State and other parts of Myanmar, with rebels seizing Laukkai, a vital commercial town near the Chinese border, last week, as per the report. The United Nations reported that the recent violence has displaced over 300,000 people, contributing to a total of more than 2 million since the coup. Additionally, some Myanmar security personnel have surrendered to rebel factions or sought refuge in neighbouring India, as reported by Reuters.
According to Reuters, representatives from Myanmar's junta and the other rebel groups involved, namely the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA), did not provide immediate comments or responses to inquiries regarding the discussions.