Myanmar junta, ethnic armed alliance confirm China-mediated ceasefire

Myanmar’s junta and an alliance of three ethnic armed groups both confirmed on Friday that they had reached a ceasefire agreement mediated by China.

“With the help of China's facilitation, there was a meeting in [the southern Chinese city of] Kunming. We have reached a ceasefire agreement,” junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told AFP, with Tar Bhone Kyaw of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) saying they have “agreed to reopen border trade” with China.

China on Friday said it had negotiated an “immediate ceasefire” between the Myanmar military and an alliance of ethnic armed organisations following fighting that has raged across northern Shan State since October.

“The two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire, to disengage military personnel and resolve relevant disputes and demands through peaceful negotiations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

The talks took place with the “mediation and facilitation of the Chinese. . .