A temporary ceasefire issued by Tatmadaw on December 21 in 2018 creates a rare opportunity for ethnic armed groups in northern Myanmar to join the peace process and the NCA should be immediately signed by seizing this unusual chance, said Mr. Chinese ambassador Hong Liang to Myanmar. 

Mr. Hong Liang, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, visited Myitkyina and met with leaders of political parties and social organizations in Kachin State on 28 and 29 December 2018.

 During his Kachin’s visit, Mr. Hong Liang discussed peace process, anti-drug issue, resettlement of IDPs and economic and trade cooperation with leaders of political parties and social organizations in Kachin State. 

Regarding the peace process in northern Myanmar, Ambassador Hong Liang said that with the joint efforts of relevant parties, the peace process in northern Myanmar has made positive progress. Recently, three armed ethnic groups in northern Myanmar issued a peace statement, and soon after that, the Tatmadaw announced a temporary ceasefire, creating a rare opportunity for the armed ethnic groups in northern Myanmar to join the peace process. 

“It is hoped that political parties and social organizations in Kachin State will urge the armed ethnic groups in Kachin State to seize the opportunity by signing the National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), so as to achieve sustainable peace in northern Myanmar at an early date. The leaders of political parties and social organizations in Kachin State highly appreciate China’s constructive role in promoting the peace process in northern Myanmar and hope that China will continue to provide support and assistance in this regard. They also expressed their willingness to engage with the armed ethnic groups and persuade them to join the peace process,” Mr. Hong Liang said in the statement.

Regarding the resettlement of IDPs, leaders of political parties and social organizations in Kachin State stated that the Tatmadaw has announced a temporary ceasefire, creating a rare opportunity for IDPs in Kachin State to return to their homeland. Recently, the Chinese Embassy donated medicines, daily necessities and other humanitarian aids for the IDPs in Kachin State. The Embassy also sponsors the orphanages for the displaced children of Kachin and Lisu ethnic groups in Myitkyina on a long-term basis. People from all communities in Kachin State have expressed their high appreciation to the Embassy and hope that China will continue to help the IDPs in Kachin State return to their homeland. 

Ambassador Hong Liang said that China is ready to provide further assistance and support, together with the Myanmar government, the Tatmadaw and social organizations, to help the IDPs in Kachin State return to their homeland at an early date.

The Chinese delegation led by Mr Sun Guoxing, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs met some Northern Alliance members at KIO/KIA’s Headquarters in Laiza on January 11, the information department of the KIO/KIA reported on January 12.

During the meeting, Mr Sun Guoxing, the Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, instructed the KIO/KIA to place special emphasis on Myanmar’s peace process and peace on Myanmar-Chinese border.

The leaders from Chinese government side have paid such visit to the KIO/KIA as now Chinese New Year is drawing near, according to the report of the information department of the KIO/KIA. 

Edited by Win Htut