CNI News

24 January 2025

As the ceasefire agreement between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is a good sign for restoring trade routes, it could bring relief to the public, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

With China's mediation, the ceasefire agreement was signed by the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the MNDAA, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Miss Mao Ning at the regular press conference on 20th January 2025.

The MNDAA and the Myanmar Tatmadaw met in Kunming, China on 16th January and agreed to cease fire on 18th January. However, details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

The agreement could bring relief to the public and it was a good sign to re-open the border gates. Moreover, the agreement could encourage other northern allies to cease fire, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

While seeing Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Miss Mao Ning

" In any case, the ceasefire agreement could bring relief to the public for the time being. The people don't have to worry about the danger of bombs. But details regarding give and take have to be watched. It will be a good sign to re-open the border trade gates. It seems to reach a agreement without hurting both sides. This agreement could soon spread to other northern alliance groups." said Col. Khun Okkar.

"Deescalating tensions in northern Myanmar serves the common interests of all parties in Myanmar and regional countries, and is conducive to ensuring the safety and security, stability and development of the China-Myanmar border area." said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning, adding that China stands ready to actively promote talks for peace and provide support and help for the peace process in northern Myanmar.

After the agreement was reached, the Chinese side has reopened Chin Shwe Haw and Yanlonkyine border gates while the UWSA has allowed the transportation of goods between the Kokang region and the Wa region, reported the UWSA on 20th January 2025.

While seeing chairman of the SAC Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

The ceasefire agreement probably was reached also due to China's pressure, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs commentator, told CNI News.

" It's likely that the ceasefire agreement was reached because of China's pressure. The MNDAA had been saying for long that they would cease fire. But the military council didn't say anything about it. I notice that the military council has stopped bombing for a couple of days. Now both sides have announced at the same time that they will cease fire. In the past, the Kokang alone complied with China's pressure. Now, military council has complied. The military council makes a loss. It asked the MNDAA to give Lashio back. It had to agree to cease fire without getting Lashio. The MNDAA will build its territories like the UWSA and the NDAA." said Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw.

The MNDAA has seized control of China-Myanmar border trade posts - Chin Shwe Haw, Laukkai, Kyukote, Monko and Theinni in northern Shan State.