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Clashes between Myanmar’s military and armed ethnic groups appear to be continuing days after the announcement of a Chinese-brokered truce, raising concerns over a breakdown in the military chain of command.
The Myanmar military had withdrawn in early January from Laukkai in Shan, a state on the border with China, amid the ongoing conflict. Armed groups have also taken over military facilities in other Shan towns that serve as cross-border trade hubs.
On January 12 the military and three armed groups — the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army — announced that they had agreed to a pause in hostilities following two days of peace talks in China’s Yunnan province that week. This was the third round of negotiations between the two sides.
The latest agreement reflects the importance the Myanmar military regime places on its ties with China. “We will negotiate with China toward reviving cross-border trade,” Myanmar military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said.
The military also told local media that it considered relations with China when withdrawing from Laukkai.
This article is from Nikkei Asia, a global publication with a uniquely Asian perspective on politics, the economy, business and international affairs. Our own correspondents and outside commentators from around the world share their views on Asia, while our Asia300 section provides in-depth coverage of 300 of the biggest and fastest-growing listed companies from 11 economies outside Japan.
The area between Shan and Indian Ocean-facing Rakhine state is key to China’s Belt and Road infrastructure-building initiative. China sees the so-called China-Myanmar Economic Corridor as a way to bypass shipping routes through the South China Sea, where it is involved in multiple maritime disputes, and ensure smooth trade with the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
China and Myanmar are advancing public-private efforts to build a special economic zone and deep-sea port facilities in Kyaukphyu, Rakhine. The Arakan Army is based in Rakhine, which is seen to have contributed to China’s interest in brokering a ceasefire in Myanmar.
But the Myanmar military’s control is slipping in states China considers priorities, leading to a breakdown in the chain of command on the front lines. Armed ethnic groups say the military launched strikes against them in multiple locations between Friday and Sunday, despite the latest agreement.
The Chinese government grew increasingly frustrated after a separate truce announced in December broke down. Its ties with Myanmar’s military-controlled government would suffer greatly if the military causes another agreement to fail.
Zaw Min Tun told Nikkei on January 15 that the Myanmar military had not been involved in any air strikes or similar moves since the new truce took effect and that the Ta’ang National Liberation Army was trying to undermine the agreement by claiming otherwise.
A version of this article was first published by Nikkei Asia on January 16. ©2024 Nikkei Inc. All rights reserved.
