CNI News

May 20, 2026

Following Operation 1027 in northern Shan State, political analyst Dr. M Kawn La told CNI News that the government, KIA (Kachin Independence Army), and Shan armed groups should unite to control the dominance of China and the increased influx of Chinese nationals.

Currently, in the territories seized and controlled by the Kokang army (MNDAA), only the Chinese language is permitted to be spoken, and only the Chinese Yuan is used as currency. Furthermore, signboards featuring Chinese characters are being erected, and Kokang household registration lists and identity cards are being issued.

In these areas, the purchase of land by Chinese nationals is on the rise, and the Kokang army has been found granting business rights and mineral extraction permits.

Dr. M Kawn La expressed his view to CNI News that the influx and encroachment of Chinese nationals into northern Shan State can only be prevented if peace is achieved with the Kachin armies, Shan armies, and other EAO (Ethnic Armed Organization) forces in northern Shan, allowing them to handle the situation effectively.

Villages with Myanmar names being changed to Chinese names by the MNDAA.

He stated, "To prevent this, I see that we can only stop it if peace is achieved with the Kachin armies, SSPP armies, Shan armies, and EAO forces in northern Shan, and if the situation is handled effectively. Right now, regarding the offensive in Kachin State, the Myitkyina–Mandalay route is already open and in good condition. Instead of focusing on fighting to the finish, my view is that implementing internal unity as quickly as possible is more important to swiftly protect against foreign encroachment and the loss of territories. Therefore, to protect northern Shan State, it is vital that the KIO and SSPP achieve peace with the government in northern Shan to defend the region. I believe that only when we can block that side can we implement measures on this side. Thus, in the Kachin State war, peace is more crucial than fighting until the war ends. I see that it is vital to secure peace so that the KIA and SSPP forces can unite to protect northern Shan State."

Since initiating Operation 1027 on October 27, 2023, the Kokang army (MNDAA) has been in discussions with the government and the military to gain administrative control over areas beyond the Kokang Self-Administered Zone, including Hsenwi, Kutkai, Namhkam, Mongko, Chinshwehaw, Hsenwi (Theinni), Kyukoke-Pansai, and Hsipaw.

Currently, the Kokang army is building up not only its military strength but also its population in northern Shan State, primarily by bringing in Chinese nationals from China to increase the Chinese population, Dr. M Kawn La told CNI News.

He mentioned that the local population in Kutkai, Muse, Kyukoke (Pansai), Mongko, and Mongpaw consists of Kachin people, and the KIA's Brigades 4, 6, and 10 are also active in those areas. He added that if the territorial expansion by a group whose population is less than 200,000 is handled cohesively, there is still time.

MNDAA troops seen together.

Dr. M Kawn La said, "It needs to be handled both politically and militarily. Why? Because demographically, if we allow the Kokang—whose population is not even 200,000—to expand their territory to this extent like a proxy, I view it as a weakness on our part. If we handle this both politically and militarily, it is still manageable. If we leave it as it is, it will become much more difficult in the future. From what I know, the Kokang are currently building up their military and manpower, mainly by importing Chinese nationals from China to increase their population. We will have to take serious action regarding this matter. In particular, once political discussions are concluded, the Immigration department and the Ministry of Home Affairs will need to strictly enforce regulations. They must be pushed back to their original place east of the Salween River in Kunlong. To do that, we also need to negotiate properly and settle things with China. It won't be easy if we are fighting among ourselves. If we are fighting each other, we won't be able to negotiate with China either. In the meantime, the MNDAA will just step in and take advantage of the situation."

According to Section 56, Subsection (e) of the 2008 Constitution, the Kokang Self-Administered Zone was formed by grouping Konkyan Township and Laukkai Township in Shan State.

However, military and political analysts assess that the MNDAA has currently seized territories far beyond its self-administered zone, backed by support from China.