China announced on Friday that it has facilitated an “immediate ceasefire” between the ruling military group in Myanmar (Burma) and an alliance of armed ethnic groups engaged in battles in the northern regions near the border between the two countries since October.
The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, stated that “the parties have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the resolution of disputes and demands (…) through peaceful negotiations,” noting that the talks took place on Wednesday and Thursday in the city of Kunming, close to Myanmar, “with mediation and facilitation from the Chinese side.”
The spokesperson did not specify the areas covered by the ceasefire.
The ruling military and three armed groups confirmed the ceasefire agreement mediated by China.
The spokesperson for the military group, Zaw Min Tun, told Agence France-Presse (AFP), “A meeting was held in Kunming, and we reached an agreement on a ceasefire.”
Meanwhile, Tar Bong Kyaw, from the “Tang National Liberation Army,” told AFP, “We have agreed to reopen cross-border trade” with China.
An alliance comprising several rebel movements representing ethnic minorities has been engaged in battles against the army in areas near the Chinese border since October.
The alliance seized several cities and key border trade crossings with China, considered by analysts as the most significant military challenge to the ruling army since its coup in 2021.
China had announced a ceasefire between the warring parties in December.
At the beginning of this month, Beijing escalated its rhetoric, expressing “strong dissatisfaction” after clashes spilled over into its territory, causing casualties on the Chinese side.
Subsequently, local media reported that an artillery shell fired from Myanmar fell on Chinese territory and exploded.
China stated on Friday that the conflict parties are committed to “maintaining peace and stability on the borders.”
