This photo taken on April 9, 2025 shows members of the police force of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) ethnic armed group patrolling in Lashio in Myanmar's northern Shan State. - AFP
YANGON: It has been reported that a delegation from China tasked with monitoring the ceasefire has arrived in Lashio Township, Northern Shan State, Myanmar.
Footage circulating on social media shows vehicles bearing Chinese flags and emblems of a ceasefire monitoring group entering Lashio. While reports suggest that the delegation includes Deng Xijun, China's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs, this has not been independently confirmed.
According to preliminary findings from Eleven Media Group on April 18, members of Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army-MNDAA are still present in Lashio. Officials from the region’s security forces under the State Administration Council (SAC) have reportedly arrived and are engaging in discussions.
The presence of the Chinese delegation was reportedly confirmed through video documentation.
As Myanmar’s New Year holidays come to an end and government offices are set to reopen on April 22, reports have emerged that the administration of Lashio will be transferred back to SAC's local authorities.
However, there have been no official statements or confirmations from either side at this time. Additionally, staff currently stationed in Taunggyi who are also responsible for duties in Lashio say they have not yet received any formal orders.
A government staff member from Lashio, currently serving in Taunggyi Township, southern Shan State, commented:"Our department hasn’t received any information yet. We heard that the district administrator hasn’t even arrived. The teams currently in Lashio are reportedly security-related groups. So far, nothing is confirmed."
On September 2, 2024, the Myanmar Counter-Terrorism Central Committee designated the northern alliance groups, including the MNDAA, as terrorist organizations.
According to the 2008 Constitution, Kokang Self-Administered Zone was established by combining Kunlong and Laukkai townships in northern Shan State. Representatives from this zone have also been elected to parliament through various constituencies.
Article 53 of the 2008 Constitution outlines the procedures required to modify or redefine the boundaries of states or regions within Myanmar. - Eleven Media/ANN
