The Myanmar military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have agreed to a ceasefire, which began on Saturday, according to China’s foreign ministry.
The deal, reached during talks in Kunming, China, aims to de-escalate fighting near the China-Myanmar border. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, speaking at a regular briefing, highlighted Beijing's role in facilitating the agreement, reports Reuters.
"Cooling down the situation in the north of Myanmar is in the common interest of all parties in Myanmar and all countries in the region, and contributes to the security, stability and development of the border areas between China and Myanmar," she said.
China will continue to actively promote peace and dialogue and provide support and assistance to the peace process in northern Myanmar, Mao said.
The MNDAA, an ethnic Chinese armed group, is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which also includes the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA).
The alliance launched an offensive against the Myanmar military in late October 2023, capturing territory along the Chinese border. In July, the MNDAA claimed control of a key military base near the border.
China, concerned about the instability spilling over its 2,000km border with Myanmar, views the conflict as a threat to trade and investment.
Analysts say Beijing is particularly alarmed by anti-junta forces advancing from border regions towards central Myanmar, including Mandalay.
The Myanmar military seized power in February 2021, overthrowing the civilian government and plunging the country into turmoil.
A ceasefire brokered by China in January 2024 collapsed after a few months, prompting renewed efforts to mediate peace.
