Chinese delegation in Myanmar in bid to end conflict in western Rakhine state — Radio Free Asia

A Chinese delegation has traveled to Myanmar in an effort to resolve the conflict between the junta and the Arakan Army in western Rakhine state, as stated by Beijing’s envoy to the United Nations on Thursday. However, experts suggest that achieving peace will require significant concessions from the military regime.

In November, the Arakan Army, or AA, terminated a ceasefire agreement with the military that had been in place since the military took control of Myanmar in a coup in February 2021.

Since then, the ethnic army has inflicted a series of defeats on junta forces, capturing several Rakhine townships and causing casualties among civilians, according to reports by RFA.

Beijing aims to contribute to stabilizing the situation in Rakhine state promptly, as stated by Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, during a U.N. Security Council briefing in New York. He mentioned that a Chinese delegation had arrived in Myanmar, but did not provide specifics about the members or their meetings.

Reports from pro-junta media indicated that China’s Special Envoy for Asian Affairs, Deng Xijun, visited Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw on April 1 to discuss border security issues and combatting online scams with junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.

China’s ambassador to Myanmar in Yangon, Chen Hai, also engaged with former junta leaders to strengthen bilateral relations and support peace and reconciliation efforts in Myanmar.

China’s involvement is likely driven by concerns for its development projects in Rakhine state, including economic zones and energy pipelines. The success of the mediation will depend on the AA receiving significant concessions rather than a simple order to cease hostilities.

A political commentator highlighted the importance of China’s intervention due to the impact of Myanmar’s stability on Chinese interests, emphasizing the need for ongoing projects and concerns about the influence of the National Unity Government.

Efforts to contact key figures regarding the conflict and mediation, including AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha, junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun, and junta Attorney General Hla Thein, were unsuccessful.

In late October, the AA, TNLA, and MNDAA launched an offensive in northern Shan state, leading to a ceasefire facilitated by China. However, the sustainability of the agreement was questioned, and violations occurred shortly after its signing.

Subsequent talks in Kunming focused on border reopening and ceasefire preservation, indicating ongoing efforts to address the conflict between the ethnic armies and the military in Myanmar.

RFA’s inquiries to the Chinese Embassy in Yangon regarding China’s role in the Rakhine state conflict and the recent delegation’s visit to Myanmar have not yet received a response.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.