Narinjara News,  July 9, 2025

According to the KIO/KIA News and Information Officer Colonel, the KIO Chairman General Nban La is in China, but there are untrue reports that China detained him.

Most recently, the Narinjana News Agency reached out to Colonel Naw Bu to get his opinion on claims that the Chinese government is holding KIO Chairman General Nban La in custody in connection with the Bhamo conflict.

"We haven't heard that information. Therefore, it is untrue. He did visit China for a health examination, to be sure. It is not connected to anything else. We have witnessed individuals attacking the KIO/KIA,  through the media. That report is false. They are attacking," stated Colonel Naw Bu.

The Chinese government has reportedly informed the KIO that if Bhamo offensives continue, it would cease purchasing rare earth elements (REEs), and China is pushing the KIO to halt all attacks on Bhamo.

Following this news, reports surfaced that General Nban La, who is over 80 years old, is being detained under house arrest.

According to local news, the Chinese government arrested the KIO's top commander, General Nban La, after he met with Chinese authorities in China, and unlike Kokang leader Peng Daxun, he was not freed.

By barring him from returning to Myanmar at the end of last year, the Chinese government also put pressure on the Kokang commander, Peng Daxun, who had declined to withdraw from Lashio in northern Shan State.