CNI News
28 October 2025
The United Wa State Army (UWSA) is operating on a “One Country, Two Systems” model, similar to China, military and political analysts told CNI News Agency.
China administers Hong Kong and Macau with distinct autonomy under its “One Country, Two Systems” policy.
The analysts point out that the “One Country, Two Systems” model is definitely not federalism.
However, U Khun Sai, who is involved in the peace process, told CNI News Agency that by flying the Union flag alongside their own flag during ceremonies, the “Wa” are demonstrating their non-secessionist stance, which helps maintain relations with the Tatmadaw (military).
He stated: “This situation is definitely not federal. If it were truly federal, 'One Country, One Nation, Two Systems' would not be possible. Therefore, both sides need to resolve this patiently through dialogue and discussion. It’s essential to have the spirit that we will not use force, no matter what. The 'Wa' are currently operating a one-party system. Firstly, it is not a multi-party system that everyone can accept; they have a single-party system. This is the first thing we see. Secondly, they do not accept any administrative, judicial, or legislative mechanisms of the central government or state government into their territory. They operate only with their own mechanisms. And there is no doubt that they are currently operating on the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle. The only thing is that when they hold ceremonies, they fly their own flag and the Union flag. By doing this, they are conveying the meaning that they will not secede, and this is how they maintain the current central government (or) military government’s tolerance.”
A UWSA representative attending the NCA ceremony on October 15, 2025, is seen.
After signing a ceasefire with the Myanmar Armed Forces in 1989, the UWSA was designated as the “Wa” Self-Administered Division, divided into two districts comprising Hopang, Mongmao, Pangwai, Narphan, Matman, and Pangsang townships.
Since then, the administrative, legislative, and judicial affairs in the areas controlled by the UWSA have not been under the control of the central government but remain solely under the control of the UWSA.
The “Wa” force is the strongest ethnic armed organization based in parts of northern and southern Shan State, having split from the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) in 1989 to form the “Wa” armed group.
The aspiration of the “Wa” force, led by Bao Youxiang, is to officially achieve “Wa State.” Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, Chairman of the NSPNC, stated on October 17 that he had met and discussed with representatives of the “Wa” force during the tenure of the current Commission Chairman.
An FN-6 anti-aircraft weapon of the UWSA is seen.
Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a Chinese-Myanmar affairs observer, told CNI News Agency that even though the “Wa” has not achieved state-level status, it is not an issue because they already possess self-administration and the central government has no dominance in their territory.
She said: “Look, what the 'Wa' is doing now is based on a concept proposed by China: 'One Country, Two Systems.' They are operating exactly that way. Whether the 'Wa' is given a self-administered region or not, the 'Wa' already has it. They haven't achieved state level yet. So, even though it is called the 'Wa' region, they have their own self-administration and self-determination rights. The only thing they lack is foreign trade. Even then, some border trade seems to be directly linked with China. So, whether the 'Wa' is granted a self-administered state or not, the military commission is not the truly official government anyway. Thus, the 'Wa' will do what they want, and I don’t think there is much of a problem.”
The UWSA signed a Union-level ceasefire agreement with the government but is not a signatory to the NCA. However, following the political change in 2021, they met and negotiated based on the Tatmadaw's peace invitation, and UWSA representatives attended and participated in peace forums.
