Vox Pop: Why the ruffling of feathers from Ruili?

By Admin 01 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
1 September 2024, Sittwe

China's Ruili City Security Commission issued a warning to the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on August 29, telling the group to stop fighting immediately in northern Shan State or face consequences.

TNLA leaders are reportedly discussing the warning at its central executive committee.

China has previously said that it would not interfere in Myanmar's internal issues. Speaking to DMG, politicians and China specialists shared their views on the warning to the TNLA.

U Pe Than || political analyst

China previously forced a ceasefire, but the Myanmar military did not observe the truce. So, renewed clashes happened.

If China wants to see peace in Myanmar, it should tell both sides to stop fighting and not make advances. It is not fair to pressure the TNLA alone. China should tell both sides to stop fighting and monitor which side invades the other's territory.

Just telling them to stop fighting is not enough. If the regime advances on the TNLA's territory or carries out attacks, the TNLA will fight back. This is how the previous truce collapsed. It is not fair to pressure only one side.

The TNLA has seized large swaths of territory. It is unreasonable China is mediating talks only after the TNLA has seized many towns. It is like helping the Myanmar military mentally.

U Than Soe Naing || political analyst

I am sad that the letter sent from China to the TNLA was not diplomatic, but it sounds like a crook making a threat. It wants to give the TNLA a lesson if it refuses to listen. The TNLA central executive committee is still holding a meeting, and it has not yet responded to it.

The TNLA is attacking a junta artillery unit in Taung Kham [in Nawnghkio]. It has not yet stopped the fighting. But it is not fighting near the border. The warning followed the meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Min Aung Hlaing. Wang Yi said China does not want to see conflicts in Myanmar, and he also told the regime to work together with ASEAN. Thirdly, China does not want to see foreign intervention in Myanmar. What he means is only China will intervene in Myanmar's affairs, but the US and Europe can't.

TNLA troops and Myanmar military troops are present in Muse bordering Ruili. So, Ruili [authorities] have threatened the TNLA not to launch military activities. However, the TNLA is pushing ahead.

U Tun Kyi || political analyst

I think it is more likely that the TNLA will stop fighting due to Chinese pressure. The areas controlled by the TNLA share a geographical border with China. Another thing is that there are many Chinese-speaking people among the Ta'ang people. There are also many Chinese investments here. After the start of 'Operation 1027,' China has stopped most businesses in the border area, so on the other hand, China does not seem to want the fall of the military regime.

As for the TNLA, there are not many places to attack on the Chinese border, so now the fighting has reached Mandalay. I see that rather than China simply pressuring the TNLA not to enter into the conflict in northern Shan State and not to fight again in the border areas it has obtained, it is more like the junta troops not to attack the areas captured by the TNLA.

In addition, China considers Myanmar as a country under its control. In particular, it seems that China will keep Myanmar as a country under its shadow. On the other hand, it is China's check and balance against the powerful countries such as the United States and Russia over Myanmar. When meeting with junta boss Min Aung Hlaing, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi warned powerful countries such as the United States, Russia and India not to interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs.