Despite the government’s proposal to hold talks in Kengtung or Myitkyina, the matter is still under negotiation as the Northern Alliance wants to hold the meeting in China, said La Mai Gun Jar of Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG) 

The Northern Alliance is formed with four ethnic armed groups: the Arakan Army (AA), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). 

The government and the four groups held an informal meeting in China’s Kunming in December 2019. They then agreed to hold further talks in China as well, La Mai Gun Jar said.

However, the meeting was postponed due to the Chinese New Year and COVID-19. 

“The Northern Alliance has proposed to hold the meeting in China. The government however wants to hold in Myanmar. I have no idea. The matter is still under negotiation,” he commented. 

During a press conference held at the Presidential Residence in Nay Pyi Taw on March 13, President Office’s spokesperson Zaw Htay said the government had proposed to hold the  talks in Kengtung or Myitkyina. 

Both sides have met five times for bilateral agreement. But agreement could not have been reached.