Interview: Life under Three Brotherhood rule in northern Shan State

By Admin 14 Jul 2025

DMG Newsroom

14 July 2025, Lashio, northern Shan State

The Three Brotherhood Alliance - consisting of the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army - seized control of the Mong Yu region, which is located near the 105th Mile Border Trade Zone on the Chinese border, in December 2023.

The Mong Yu region is only 7 miles from the military regime-controlled city of Muse. The Three Brotherhood Alliance collects taxes at the 105th Mile Border Trade Zone and runs public services such as hospitals and schools in the region, as well as regional development projects.

DMG recently interviewed a local woman, referred to here by the pseudonym Mae Zin, about the China-Myanmar border trade situation, the development and governance of the Mong Yu region, and the expectations of the locals.

DMG: Let us first know the current situation of the Mong Yu region under the control of the Three Brotherhood Alliance.

Mae Zin: In the Mong Yu region, the Three Brotherhood Alliance's joint governance model is based on equality. From trade to health, everything is done after consultation with the Three Brotherhood Alliance. Whether it's business, health, or education, the Three Brotherhood Alliance works together.

As for security, we can't say much. But all three groups are involved in security and city security. The Three Brotherhood Alliance has redeployed officials in both security and administration.

DMG: What differences do you see between the military regime and the Three Brotherhood Alliance in terms of governance?

Mae Zin: The Three Brotherhood Alliance's governance has become more transparent. Currently, there are not many taxes being collected. The Three Brotherhood Alliance does not currently collect many taxes. The Three Brotherhood Alliance only collects tolls and trade taxes. This is the difference between the military regime and the Three Brotherhood Alliance's governance system.

DMG: What is the current trade situation at the 105th Mile Border Trade Zone?

Mae Zin: The trade situation at the 105th Mile Border Trade Zone is not 100 percent good. While the security situation on the Myanmar side is still very bad, the flow of goods from China is also a little difficult. In the past, domestic goods were sent to China. Goods from China flow to Myanmar. Myanmar cannot send many goods to China, and there are not many goods from China entering Myanmar, so the trade situation between the two countries is not as good as before. The flow of goods between the two countries is still not as good as before.

DMG: What is the tax collection system of the Three Brotherhood Alliance? Where do you see the collected tax money being used?

Mae Zin: There is not much to say about the tax system. In the health sector, the Three Brotherhood Alliance has plans to reopen hospitals and schools. Currently, the 105th Mile Border Trade Zone is not very stable, so there is limited work being done.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance has plans for road, bridge projects, and education. I think the Three Brotherhood Alliance will do regional development projects depending on the situation.

DMG: What opportunities will there be for local business owners and traders?

Mae Zin: As for local businessmen, there is currently no negotiation with the Three Brotherhood Alliance. Anyway, the Three Brotherhood Alliance has plans for what will happen in the future. This will be planned to further improve trade. For traders, it also depends on the situation in Myanmar. If goods from Myanmar return, or if the flow of goods from China improves, then duties will be strictly and legally imposed.

DMG: What do you see the Three Brotherhood Alliance doing in terms of short-term and long-term projects to develop the local economy?

Mae Zin: The Three Brotherhood Alliance has conducted field studies on the long-term development of the region's economy. The Three Brotherhood Alliance has only drawn up short-term and long-term plans for economic development. The main industries in the region are agriculture and trade. The Three Brotherhood Alliance has drawn up plans for these in consultation with the locals.

DMG: What is the situation with the opening of hospitals, clinics, and schools in the Mong Yu region?

Mae Zin: In the past, residents of the 105th Mile Border Trade Zone relied on Muse for education and healthcare. Currently, the Three Brotherhood Alliance has provided good medical clinics, hospitals, and schools.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance is in a position to develop the 105th Mile Border Trade Zone separately. The 105th Mile Border Trade Zone has good trade routes, and when more people come, there are many things that will make it convenient for everyone, including the locals. The Three Brotherhood Alliance has opened clinics for local residents, focusing on health, and in terms of education, it is in a position to open large schools later.

DMG: As a local, what are your hopes for the Mong Yu region?

Mae Zin: As a local, I want the Mong Yu region to become a major trade zone. There will be industrial zones and large car parks in this trade zone. I want the Three Brotherhood Alliance to be united to the point where it can serve as a model for other groups in northern Shan State. The main thing is that the Three Brotherhood Alliance should not be divided among themselves.

DMG: What would you like to say to the Three Brotherhood Alliance regarding the Mong Yu region?

Mae Zin: The cooperation of the Three Brotherhood Alliance is very important in the Mong Yu region. In the future, the Three Brotherhood Alliance needs to move forward with this unity. We would not want to be in a situation of having to do it alone.