NUCC, AFCC denounce China's threatening letter to TNLA

 Maung Sar Ga, Narinjara News, 2 September 2024

NUCC and AFCC have condemned China's actions as Beijing sent a threatening letter to the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) asking for a ceasefire in northern Shan State of Myanmar.

The Anti-Junta Forces Coordination Committee - Mandalay (AFCC) issued a statement on 1 September and the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) released its statement on 31 August.

The NUCC opined that the letter to TNLA was composed with harsh words. Moreover it threatened that Beijing may resort to increased ‘fear-mongering and disciplinary actions’, if needed.

“It was an insult to the TNLA, which is an allied resistance force and an ethnic group with revolutionary spirit,” said the NUCC.

It also added that no foreign country has the right to threaten, coerce, restrict or barricade Myanmar (or any ethnic group, state, or region within it) whether politically or militarily.

The NUCC asked China’s Shweli National Security Committee to withdraw the letter and  respect the ethnic groups and people of Myanmar in accordance with international laws and ethical standards.

“The people of Myanmar, made up of various ethnic groups, value peace, development and friendship with all neighboring countries. However, the revolution has become inevitable due to the brutality and unjust oppression of the military dictatorship,” added the NUCC  statement.

It urged the authorities of People's Republic of China and the border regions to work towards strengthening the ‘pauk-pauw’ relationship by showing sympathy and support for the ethnic groups in Myanmar who are suffering under the military regime.

On the other hand, the AFCC also strongly condemned all attempts by China to forcibly halt the military activities of the allied forces resisting in northern Myanmar.

“China should know  that Myanmar's sovereignty comes from its people and should avoid any interference that threatens or insults the country’s sovereignty,” said the AFCC  statement.

It urged Beijing not to support the  military rulers, as they disrespected the will of Myanmar people.

The revolutionaries are fighting to dismantle the military dictatorship and establish a federal democracy in Myanmar, opined the AFCC, adding that  if China threatens or undermines peace processes that could hold the dictators accountable, or if it supports the dictators in any way, it will only lead to unwanted hatred and create a deep rift between the people  of Myanmar and China.

Mentionable is that on 29 August, China’s Shweli National Security Committee sent a letter to the TNLA, pressurizing them to cease their fighting in northern Shan State.

The letter also warned that China would resort to ‘fear-mongering and disciplinary actions’  against the TNLA if necessary and reiterated that the TNLA would be held fully responsible for the consequences.

The TNLA's central executive committee is currently discussing the letter. China is not putting any pressure on the military junta, but  focusing solely on the TNLA.

The junta is currently committing war crimes like carrying out airstrikes, killing residents with ground troops, taking hostages and also burning houses.

In contrast, the TNLA and resistance forces are capturing towns in northern Shan State. After about 10 months of the operation, they have taken control of the vast region including Lashio, where the northeastern command is headquartered.

There is no fighting along the Myanmar-China border, while the TNLA is launching offensives against artillery battalions in Tawnghkam village, located between Naungcho and Pyin Oo Lwin. Tawnghkam also serves as a key defensive base for Pyin Oo Lwin Town.

The fighting ceased at the border areas, but when the conflict shifted towards Pyin Oo Lwin and the Mandalay region, Beijing issued the letter asking for an immediate halt to the clashes.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China will continue to play a positive role in Myanmar's peace and reconciliation process and will work to deescalate the situation in northern Myanmar, stated the  Chinese embassy officials in Myanmar.