Maung Sar Ga, Narinjara News, 7 November 2024

Myanmar's military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing declared that the armed forces will only talk with the Three Brotherhood Alliance (3BHA), including the Arakan Army (AA), if they show a real desire for peace.

Min Aung Hlaing, on a trip to China, said this while meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Kunming on November 6, as reported in military-run papers on November 7.

"Talks can happen only if the MNDAA, TNLA, and AA take clear steps to show they want peace," he stated.

Political expert U Than Sor Naing said Min Aung Hlaing's words show he wants to use China's help to make peace with the 3BHA, which would help his position.

"Min Aung Hlaing is trying to start talks with China's help. If he keeps fighting, he'll lose. His comment shows that with China's backing, he can save face and keep his power," U Than Sor Naing explained.

When asked how the 3BHA might respond, U Than Soe Naing noted that only the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in the 3BHA shares a border with China. The MNDAA now controls a large part of northern Shan State, larger than the Kokang area, and likely won't leave.

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"China hasn't said anything about the military's harsh attacks on the 3BHA. So, I don't think the MNDAA will accept China's unfair stance. If the MNDAA builds up its presence, it can give better chances to people in its area. That's why I think the MNDAA will keep fighting," he said.

Min Aung Hlaing also said that if the 3BHA members—the Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)—truly want peace, the military is always ready to talk.

He added that armed groups should focus on what needs to be done, not just on what they want.

The AA, MNDAA, and TNLA started "Operation 1027" on October 27, 2023, attacking military posts in northern Shan State.

Min Aung Hlaing also said the 3BHA broke the Haigen Ceasefire Agreement, which China had helped arrange.

Narinjara News sought comment from AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha on the matter, but received no response at the time of reporting.

Min Aung Hlaing stressed that a stable China-Myanmar border is key for regional growth, as it enables economic and trade partnerships. He emphasized the need to fully stop illegal trade that funds border insurgents.

China's Prime Minister Li Qiang assured full backing for Myanmar's internal stability and its efforts to hold upcoming elections successfully.

Li added that Myanmar's issues concern China as a neighbor, pledging China's firm support for Myanmar on the global stage.

Min Aung Hlaing is attending the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit in Kunming, China, from November 6 to 7.

He will also join the 10th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit and the 11th Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam (CLMV) Summit.