CNI News
23 June 2026
Political circles both inside the country and abroad are closely monitoring whether the armed clashes occurring in Myanmar could come to a halt if the talks between the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) are successful.
On June 18, 2026, the NSPNC traveled to the UWSA's central headquarters in Pangkham (Pangsang) to meet and hold discussions with the UWSA.
During the meeting, representatives from both sides primarily discussed peace, solidarity, and regional development, according to a statement released by the Wa news agency, WSTV.
Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News that such a meeting between the "Wa" group and the NSPNC could bring about many positive developments, and that the actions of the "Wa" group could impact other ethnic armed organizations (EAOs).
NSPNC Chairman Lieut-Gen Yar Pyae and UWSA Chief of General Staff Bao Aikham seen
"The 'Wa' group maintaining communications and relations with the remaining groups is an ongoing reality. Based on this, if the 'Wa' group reaches substantial agreements with the NSPNC, decisions regarding what the other groups should do will emerge. Therefore, since they have met and discussed, these facts will naturally be included. For that reason, we can anticipate that both sides will reach at least some form of agreement. Since the 'Wa' is a powerful armed group in Myanmar, its moves will have a reasonable impact on the remaining ethnic armed organizations. Therefore, it can be assessed that there will be many positive developments compared to the situation before the discussions," he said.
The "Wa" is the most powerful organization among the ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, and other armed groups aspire to achieve the kind of political and military status that the "Wa" group possesses.
Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that under the current landscape, if the "Wa" group continues its previous approach, it signals foresight on their part that things might not go smoothly. He added that if the "Wa" side stops supplying arms and ammunition, the remaining ethnic armed groups could face difficulties.
UWSA Vice-Chairman Zhao Guoan, Chief of General Staff Bao Aikham, and the Deputy Chief of General Staff seen
"The 'Wa' is the same way; being clever, they don't openly show their face at the front to act hostile toward the military. They sell things from behind the scenes. This is what they usually do. We have heard that China does not like them doing this. Later on, the military's strength has improved again due to the military service law. So, if the 'Wa' continues with this attitude and acts as a provocateur, its long-term relationship with the military, the USDP (Union Solidarity and Development Party) bloc, and successive future governments of Myanmar will not be good. If relations are not good, it won't be easy for them to live and operate comfortably, no matter what. Because of these circumstances, they have softened their stance and engaged. I see it as them coming to a realistic understanding. As a result, ethnic armed groups could face significant difficulties regarding arms and ammunition," he said.
Currently, the UWSA serves as the chairman of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), which includes the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Arakha Army (AA), and Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
Following the events of February 1, 2021, the UWSA has been involved as a major force in the political crisis and armed conflicts in Myanmar, serving as a supplier of arms and ammunition to the Spring Revolution forces as well as the AA, MNDAA, and TNLA.
