Myanmar's military head engages in initial discussion with China's leaders post seizing power in 2021.
A Fresh Look:
Myanmar's Three Brotherhood Alliance Holds Out Amid Pressure
BANGKOK - In a landmark meeting, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's military government, met with China's President Xi Jinping for the first time since seizing power. This conversation, as reported by state-run media in Myanmar on Saturday, took place in Moscow during the commemoration of World War II's defeat of Nazi Germany.
China Stepping In
Xi pledged to help with Myanmar's earthquake recovery, and both leaders discussed aiding attempts to end the country's ongoing civil war. However, this meeting is often seen as Beijing seeking to support the military government, especially concerning regional stability.
China's role as a major arms supplier and Myanmar's largest trading partner, along with vested interests in security due to their shared 890-mile (1,440-kilometer) border, makes cooperation with Myanmar's military government a priority.
Despite criticism from Western nations, China's ties with Myanmar's ruling junta have remained strong. Beijing even provided significant relief and reconstruction assistance following the devastating March earthquake.
Three Brotherhood Alliance Under Pressure
The alliance, comprised of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army, and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), faced challenges recently. Offensive momentum slowed significantly due to measures taken by China, such as shutting border crossings and cutting electricity to Myanmar towns.
Under pressure, the MNDAA withdrew from the strategic town of Lashio last month, relinquishing control to the military. However, reports suggest that soldiers returned and reclaimed their bases within the town by the end of April.
China's influence over the alliance has been substantial, pushing rebel groups to avoid clashes along the border and near Chinese investments. The TNLA, a key member of the alliance, reported difficulties for local residents in areas controlled by China and Myanmar's military.
The TNLA revealed daily airstrikes in areas under their control and an ongoing ceasefire until the end of May. Yet, tensions remain high, with the junta launching bombings in northern Myanmar after the TNLA rejected peace talks.
Stay up-to-date with the dynamic situation in Myanmar as the Three Brotherhood Alliance navigates challenges amid China's growing influence.
- The Myanmar government, under pressure, has withdrawn from the strategic town of Lashio, and reports suggest that soldiers have since returned and reclaimed their bases by the end of April.
- China's largest trading partner status and shared border with Myanmar make cooperation with the Myanmar military government a priority, despite criticism from Western nations.
- The media in Myanmar reported that President Xi Jinping of China met with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing of the Myanmar government in Moscow, discussing aiding attempts to end the country's ongoing civil war.
- The Three Brotherhood Alliance, which comprises the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Arakan Army, and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, is facing challenges due to measures taken by China, such as shutting border crossings and cutting electricity to Myanmar towns.
- The TNLA, a key member of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, reported difficulties for local residents in areas controlled by China and Myanmar's military, and they revealed daily airstrikes in areas under their control and an ongoing ceasefire until the end of May.
- China's influence over the Alliance has been substantial, pushing rebel groups to avoid clashes along the border and near Chinese investments, especially concerning regional stability.
