The civil war in northern Myanmar, which lasted for more than a month, finally ushered in new changes.
On November 29, the two ethnic armed groups in northern Myanmar issued a joint statement indicating a formal ceasefire between the two sides. The two armed groups are the Shan State Reconstruction Committee and the Shan State Progressive Party. In the joint statement, they said that the two sides had formally agreed to a ceasefire in accordance with the wishes of the people and monks of Shan State.
It should be pointed out that the attributes of these two armed forces are not the same, they are called the "Southern Shan State Army" and the "Northern Shan State Army" respectively, and the Shan State Reconstruction Committee has signed relevant agreements with the Myanmar Army** to carry out negotiations;The Shan State Progressive Party, on the other hand, has not yet signed concrete documents, but has expressed its willingness to hold consultations. Moreover, the two armed forces do not deal with each other, and the two sides often clash and calculate each other. It was only recently, when fighting in Kokang in northern Myanmar escalated, that the two militants decided to sit down and negotiate a ceasefire.
To some extent, the ceasefire between the two armed forces in Shan State seems to have little to do with Kokang. But this is undoubtedly a positive signal and sends a clear message to other armed groups that a peaceful resolution of the conflict is an option. The reason for this change is related to some recent external situations.
About a week ago, the PLA's Southern Theater launched a three-day combat exercise on the Chinese side of the China-Myanmar border, aimed at testing its ability to maneuver, border closure and firepower, and prepare for all kinds of emergencies. The exercise showcased Xi PLA artillery strike group and armored assault group in depth and intensive firepower, a mode of operation in which ground units or strongholds are attacked, usually after full air supremacy, perfectly suited to the topography of the China-Myanmar border.
The location of the PLA's Xi exercise is also delicate, and the three areas selected are closely related to the civil war in Myanmar. The Xi area includes Manghai Village, Manghai Town, Mangshi City, and Mangling Village, Jingkai District, Ruili City, which are closely connected to the fighting sites in Myanmar. In addition, the purpose of the PLA military exercise in the vicinity of Qingshuihe Village, Mengding Town, Gengma County, Lincang City, is also clear.
The fundamental purpose of the exercise boils down to sending a warning to all parties to the Burmese civil war that the internal conflict in Myanmar should not affect China's interests and not endanger the safety of the Chinese. China has always advocated the maintenance of regional peace and stability, will protect the security of its territory and people, and will resolutely defend its own interests and territorial integrity.
On the one hand, PLA Army units conducted Xi exercises on the China-Myanmar border, and on the other hand, three warships of the 44th escort group of the PLA Navy also arrived in Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, for a four-day goodwill visit.
In the face of civil unrest in northern Myanmar and frequent unrest on the China-Myanmar border, the PLA's series of substantive actions, whether it is Xi a border exercise or a visit by an escort formation, have sent a clear signal: China will never allow the situation in Myanmar to deteriorate and the war situation expand under its nose. All parties to the conflict in Myanmar should realize that only through dialogue and consultation and the achievement of peace and stability as soon as possible can real benefits be brought to the region. China, on the other hand, is happy to play an active role as a facilitator and intermediary in contributing to the resolution of the internal conflict in Myanmar.
China has spoken out more than once on the situation in Myanmar. Earlier, Chinese spokesman Wang Wenbin said that China is highly concerned about the conflict in northern Myanmar and urges relevant parties in Myanmar to immediately cease fire and stop fighting, earnestly attach importance to China's security concerns, and work with China to safeguard the safety of China-Myanmar cooperation projects and enterprise personnel.
Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, also said that the squadron will always maintain a high level of alert and be ready to deal with all kinds of emergencies at all times. This statement conveyed to the outside world China's stable and firm attitude, as well as the great importance it attaches to regional security.
China and Myanmar are traditionally friendly neighbors, and their land and sea security and economic interests are closely linked. China has always been committed to promoting friendly cooperation with Myanmar and is not interested in interfering in Myanmar's internal affairs. China and Myanmar are expected to carry out more mutually beneficial cooperation to jointly ensure the stability of the border between the two countries. We believe that through the joint efforts of both sides and the support and understanding of the international community, the situation in Myanmar will usher in positive development.