Myanmar Military Confirms Talks With Ethnic Armed Groups, Brokered By China

Myanmar's military government has officially confirmed engaging in talks facilitated by China with the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of ethnic minority armed groups. The alliance, comprising the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, initiated coordinated attacks on October 27 in the northern part of Shan state. This offensive poses a significant challenge to Myanmar's military rulers since the coup in February 2021, as reported by PTI.

The conflict, mainly along the Myanmar-China border, has disrupted cross-border trade and raised concerns in Beijing, as Myanmar is a strategic ally. The alliance's offensive triggered widespread fighting involving the pro-democracy Peoples Defense Force and other ethnic minority armed groups, stretching the military's forces.

Myanmar's spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, announced the dialogue between the military government's National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee and the Three Brotherhood Alliance. China, Myanmar's major trading partner, supports the peace talks, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation for border stability.

The alliance claims victories, including seizing military posts and border crossings, while alleging significant casualties among government soldiers. China has called for a cease-fire and supports peaceful resolution through dialogue.

One alliance member, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, aims to remove a rival Kokang group, backed by the military, from a key border city. Their objectives include combating organized criminal enterprises, including cyberscam operations involving Chinese investors colluding with local Myanmar warlords. Beijing, embarrassed by such criminality, has pledged to eradicate it, repatriating tens of thousands of individuals involved in recent weeks.