In a meeting between the KIO/KIA and Chinese government representatives, discussions were held regarding border region stability and efforts to halt ongoing conflicts, according to KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu, who spoke to BBC News.

The meeting was held on December 8, 2023, in Kunming, Yunnan Province, where KIO Chairman General N’Ban La led the delegation to meet with Chinese officials, including the Political Advisory Conference team. This meeting marked a significant shift as Chinese Foreign Ministry officials, including senior diplomats, attended for the first time. Previously, such meetings had not involved the central committee of the Chinese government, as noted by Col. Naw Bu.

Furthermore, during the meeting between KIO/KIA representatives and Chinese officials, discussions took place on reopening the border gates controlled by the KIA. While the gates were reopened after December 12, no movement of people, goods, or vehicles has been reported yet, according to Col. Naw Bu.

KIA and allied forces had previously attacked border posts in the Kachin Special Region (1), which had been under the control of the ethnic armed group led by U Zahkung Ting Ying in Kachin State. Areas including Panwa, Chibwe, Sawlawt, and Kanpaiktee have been under the control of KIA and allied forces since mid-November.

Subsequently, KIA and allied forces continued their military actions in the Bhamo area, with intense fighting still ongoing. It was during this time that the Chinese government called for a meeting with the KIO leadership. Fighting continues in the Bhamo region to this day.

In the areas of Kachin Special Region (1) controlled by KIA and allied forces, mining activities for rare earth minerals have been a major economic activity. These minerals are being exported to China.