14-12-2023 (BEIJING) China has successfully mediated peace talks between Myanmar’s ruling military and rebel groups, resulting in a temporary ceasefire and an agreement to maintain dialogue, announced Beijing on Thursday.
The ongoing conflict, primarily concentrated in northern Shan state, has raised concerns in neighboring China. According to the United Nations, the rebel offensive that began on October 27 has displaced approximately 300,000 people. Since Myanmar’s military coup in February 2021, over 2 million individuals have become homeless.
The Chinese foreign ministry released a statement confirming that the talks took place in China in recent days; however, it refrained from providing further details.
China expressed its hopes that the concerned parties in Myanmar would implement the agreements and consensus reached during the talks. They urged maximum restraint and the initiative to ease the situation on the ground.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “China has been tirelessly working to halt the war and promote dialogue among the relevant parties in Myanmar. We have been advocating for de-escalation and the cooling-down of the situation.”
Mao further emphasized that there has been a noticeable reduction in the number of clashes and exchanges of fire in northern Myanmar. This development not only serves the interests of the parties involved in Myanmar but also contributes to maintaining tranquility along the China-Myanmar border.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been striving for over two years to find a resolution to the conflict in Myanmar. Regrettably, its efforts have been completely disregarded by the junta.
Earlier this year, Thailand attempted to engage Myanmar in informal talks, a move that some interpreted as a threat to ASEAN unity. Thailand faces the potential challenge of thousands of additional refugees crossing its borders.
On Monday, Myanmar’s military announced that it had met with the rebels and other parties involved in the conflict. They stated that another round of talks would take place by the end of the month, without providing further details.
However, on Wednesday, the ethnic minority insurgent alliance, known as the Brotherhood Alliance, reaffirmed its commitment to defeating the “dictatorship” and made no mention of peace talks or a ceasefire.
The Brotherhood Alliance comprises three groups, namely the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA).
