Second Myanmar Rebel Group Agrees to Ceasefire and Proposes China-Mediated Talks

The MNDAA joins the TNLA in calling for peace negotiations with the junta, as China seeks to mediate in the conflict affecting key Belt and Road regions.

• The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) declared an immediate ceasefire and expressed readiness for peace talks with the military under China's mediation.
• The MNDAA, with approximately 8,000 fighters, has been battling for autonomy in northern Shan state and recently captured the strategic city of Lashio in August.
• This announcement follows a similar proposal from the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), another major ethnic rebel group, though junta airstrikes reportedly continue in TNLA-held areas.
• China, a key ally of the junta and stakeholder in the region, has called for an end to fighting in Shan state, which is critical to its Belt and Road initiative.
• Despite the MNDAA's overture, the junta has yet to formally respond, while the Arakan Army, another rebel ally, continues active conflict in western Myanmar.

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