Myanmar rebel army ready for dialogue with junta, with China's help

An ethnic minority army that is part of formidable rebel alliance fighting Myanmar's ruling military has announced its willingness to hold talks with the junta after a year-long battle along the Myanmar-China border.

An ethnic minority army that is part of formidable rebel alliance fighting Myanmar's ruling military has announced its willingness to hold talks with the junta after a year-long battle along the Myanmar-China border.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army's (TNLA) decision, announced late on Monday, comes as powerful neighbour China puts pressure on rebels amid the rapid degeneration of the military, which Beijing has long seen as a guarantor of stability.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted an elected government led by democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, sparking a resistance movement that began as peaceful protests and later evolved into an armed rebellion on multiple fronts.

The TNLA in a statement on its official Telegram channel said it wanted a halt to the military's air strikes in its region of northern Shan state and expressed its desire for talks and its appreciation for China's mediation effort. 

"Our civilians are suffering from air strikes and other difficulties. So, we need to find a way out," TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo said. 

The TNLA is part of a coordinated offensive launched last year called "Operation 1027," named after its start date, which has become the biggest challenge to Myanmar's generals since their coup, resulting in their loss of several towns and military posts.

The other two groups in the alliance, the Arakan Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

The rebel alliance had previously reached a ceasefire in January with Myanmar's military during China-mediated talks, but the deal collapsed in June and fighting resumed.

A spokesperson for Myanmar's junta did not answer calls from Reuters. China's embassy in Yangon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the TNLA's statement. 

Myanmar's parallel administration, the National Unity Government (NUG), said Beijing must consider the desires of Myanmar's people when getting involved in the country's crisis.

"I want to encourage China not to conduct meetings which go against the will of Myanmar people as they will not be helpful to the country's peace," said its spokesperson Kyaw Zaw.

Read next

18:00

Funding Shortfall

Red Cross faces funding shortage in Myanmar earthquake relief

The IFRC has received only 10% of its $122 million emergency appeal for Myanmar’s earthquake recovery, raising alarm as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable ahead of monsoon season.

09:18

World News

New magnitude 5.5 quake hits central Myanmar amid relief efforts

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake has struck central Myanmar as the country recovers from last month’s deadly 7.7 temblor.

11:20

Myanmar

Myanmar quake death toll climbs to 3,354 as junta leader returns from summit

The death toll from Myanmar’s devastating earthquake has risen to 3,354, with 4,850 injured and 220 missing, according to state media. The grim figures emerge as the country struggles to cope with the aftermath of the quake amid a prolonged civil conflict.

11:00

Myanmar earthquake

Myanmar junta refuses ceasefire, despite earthquake death toll hits 2,719

Myanmar’s military junta has rejected ceasefire proposals aimed at facilitating rescue efforts after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake. As the death toll climbs to 2,719, with 400 missing and over 4,000 injured, military operations continue despite calls from opposition groups to pause the conf

12:24

Myanmar Earthquake

Myanmar earthquake survivors without food and shelter as death toll rises above 2,700

Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.