Kokang is a state in northern Myanmar and a border province of Myanmar, bordering China's Yunnan province. This region has a complex historical background and political situation. In addition to Kokang, northern Myanmar includes three other states, namely Wa, Kachin, and Shan. These states, like Kokang, are border areas of Myanmar.
Kokang (Kokang) – the full name of the "Kokang Autonomous Region of Northern Shan State", is located in the Shan State Plateau between Myanmar and China. The capital of Lao Cai City, this rich land bordering China's Yunnan Province to the north and east, was once Chinese territory in history, but was forced to cede to British colonists in 1897. The Kokang are one of the main ethnic groups in Myanmar, and they are mainly developed from the integration of Han immigrants from the southwestern frontier of the Ming Dynasty and the local Shan people. The Kokang region is also one of the focal points of conflict between multiple political forces and ethnic groups in Myanmar.
Wa Special Region 2 of Myanmar – or Myanmar's second special region, is located in the Awa Mountains. With the establishment of this autonomous region, Myanmar** declared the SAR a province of Myanmar on 19 January 1989, and since then it has its own provincial chairman, vice-chairman, speaker, deputy speaker and ministers. As a result, the Wa State has become the focus of attention of all parties attending the meeting and has become an important part of the Union of Myanmar.
Kachin State – Known for its jadeite and hardwood, more than 90% of the world's jadeite is produced in the Myitkyina region of Kachin State. In addition, Kachin State is the passage of the Southwest Silk Road, and the China-India Highway built in the 40s of the 20th century further communicated China, Myanmar and India, so Kachin State is known as the "North Gate of Myanmar".
Shan State – Located in the eastern interior of Myanmar, it is the largest and most populous state in Myanmar. There are armed forces advocating independence in the southern part of Shan State, the famous Golden Triangle region at the junction of Thailand and Laos in the west, and China in the north, which is not only the base of the Communist Party of Burma in history, but also the place where the Kokang ethnic group in Myanmar is concentrated.
Due to the special historical and geographical background of the Kokang region and the other three states in northern Myanmar, as well as the complex political situation, these regions have been one of the important issues in China-Myanmar relations. Over the past few decades, these areas have also been one of the focal points of conflict between Myanmar's armed forces. However, with the continuous improvement and development of relations between China and Myanmar, these regions have also ushered in new development opportunities and challenges.