Mizzima
On 24 January, a delegation led by Peng Daxun, the Commander in Chief of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and another led by Zhao Guo An, the Vice Chairman of the United Wa State Party (UWSP/UWSA), met in Pan Hseng Town, also known as Pangkham, the capital of Wa Self-Administered Region in Shan State.
A group of nine individuals, including the Commander in Chief and Deputy Commander in Chief of MNDAA, traveled to Pan Hseng for the meeting.
UWSA’s liaison officer Nyi Rang (Lashio) said, “The leaders of MNDAA visited Pan Hseng to meet with Wa leaders. It’s a routine visit ahead of the Chinese New Year.”
MNDAA spokesperson Li Kyar Win said, “No formal discussions took place. Given the approaching Chinese New Year, it was a gesture of advance greetings.”
The recent meeting marked the first encounter between Wa and Kokang leaders since the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) took full control of the Kokang region during Operation 1027.
The United Wa State Party (UWSP) emerged in April 1989, breaking away from the Communist Party of Burma (CPB), and subsequently formed the UWSP/UWSA (United Wa State Party/United Wa State Army) in November 1989.
MNDAA was established by Peng Jiasheng, a leader who disagreed with the Communist Party of Burma, in March 1989.
According to MNDAA spokesperson Li Kyar Win, there exists a strong alliance between the two forces.
He said, “We maintain a fraternal relationship, never experiencing any breakdown. The Wa remain neutral, not aligning with any side, offering assistance. We are appreciative of their support and acceptance of our displaced population.”
On 5 January, the three northern alliance forces, including the MNDAA, conducted an assault and successfully seized military council camps in Hopang and Panlon towns within the Wa Self-Administered region. Subsequently, on 10 January, a formal handover ceremony took place, transferring control of these camps to the United Wa State Army (UWSA).
Initiated on 27 October, 2023, Operation 1027 led by the three northern alliance forces, including the MNDAA, has resulted in the occupation and control of 17 towns in northern Shan State. The MNDAA has officially declared that Kokang Special Region (1) is now fully under their control and has become a military council-free area.
The UWSP/UWSA has affirmed its commitment to maintaining a neutral stance and declared its non-participation in armed conflicts within the Kokang region.
Telegram channels associated with the Military Council have announced their intention to monitor the meeting between the leaders of MNDAA and UWSA.
