CNI News
6 March 2024
The two governments of Myanmar and China only will manage the border trade and gates, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council.
The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee of the SAC met and discussed with the three northern alliance groups (MNDAA, TNLA and AA) in Kunming, China from 1st to 2nd March 2024.
After that, the news came out that the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) would take 70 percent of customs duty and the government, 30 percent in the territory that the MNDAA has seized control of especially in the Kokang region from the management of border trade and gates. However, those pieces of news were just false news and if there were armed groups on the border trade route, the border trade couldn't be reopened, which was discussed only.
"As the number one, national territory of our country and sovereignty will continue to firmly exist. As the number two, we are carrying out a ceasefire and conflict reduction process in view of the stability of the socio-economic life of the local people. As the number three, the stability of the border region, rule of law, management of border gates and trade will be under those of the governments of the two countries." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.
The three northern groups implemented the Operation-1027 and has seized control of Laukkai, Kon Kyan, Kyucote, Kunlong, Phaungsai, Chin Shwe Haw, Namtu, Hopang, Theinni, Kutkai, Namkham, Nansang, Mantong and Mong Ngor Towns.
In the same way, battles have been breaking out between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State since November, 2023 and the AA has captured Paletwa Township in Chin State and Mrauk U, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Minbya, Kyauktaw, and Ponnagyun Townships in Rakhine State.
Because of these attacks and territorial control, China-Myanmar border trade cannot be opened, the two countries are losing millions of dollars every day. There were some reports that the SAC had to recognize the territorial control at the fourth meeting held from 1st to 2nd March. However, the point regarding recognition was not included in the discussion and the SAC demanded the three northern groups to retreat their troops from the territories they had captured at the meeting.
The pieces of news that the SAC recognized the territorial control were wrong and they were discussing strengthening the ceasefire, said Dr.Nyo Tun Aung, Deputy Commander in Chief of the AA at the press conference held on 4th March, 2024.
