Myanmar Ethnic Rebel Group Ready for China-Mediated Talks with Junta

Background

Soldiers from Myanmar’s rebel National Democratic Alliance Army parade in the border city of Mong La in this file photo. (EPA Images pic)

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), with about 8,000 available fighters, has fought the Myanmar military for more than a decade for autonomy for the Kokang ethnic minority in northern Shan state.

Last Year’s Offensive

Last year, the NDAA, along with two other allied rebel groups, launched an offensive against the military and seized swathes of Shan state, including ruby mines and a lucrative trade highway to China.

Fighting Continues

The military has repeatedly pounded territory it has lost with artillery and airstrikes, but a promised counter-offensive on the ground has yet to materialise.

Offer for Talks

Last week, NDAA ally the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) said it was ready for talks with the military. “From today onwards we will cease fire immediately, and will not actively attack the Myanmar army,” the NDAA said in a statement released late on Tuesday.

China’s Role

China is a major ally and arms supplier of the junta, but also maintains ties with ethnic rebel groups that hold territory near its border. It has repeatedly called for fighting to stop in Shan state, a key link in its trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative.

Head of NDAA Visits China

Earlier this month, Beijing said the head of the NDAA had come to China for “medical care” after news reports in Myanmar said he had been arrested on China’s orders.

Myanmar’s Ethnic Rebel Groups

Myanmar is home to about a dozen ethnic rebel groups that have battled the military for decades for autonomy and control of lucrative resources including jade, timber and opium. Some, including the TNLA, have given shelter and training to newer “people’s defence forces” that sprang up to battle the military after it seized power in a 2021 coup.

Conclusion

The NDAA’s offer for talks with the junta marks a significant development in the conflict-ridden Shan state. If successful, the talks could lead to a reduction in violence and a potential settlement to the long-standing conflict.

FAQs

Q: What is the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)?
A: The NDAA is a rebel group that has fought the Myanmar military for more than a decade for autonomy for the Kokang ethnic minority in northern Shan state.

Q: What is the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)?
A: The TNLA is an allied rebel group of the NDAA that has also been fighting the Myanmar military for autonomy.

Q: What is the Belt and Road initiative?
A: The Belt and Road initiative is a trillion-dollar infrastructure development project initiated by China that aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Q: What is the current situation in Shan state?
A: The NDAA and other rebel groups have been fighting the Myanmar military for control of the region, which is a key link in China’s Belt and Road initiative.