The three northern groups (MNDAA, TNLA, AA) issued a statement on August 6, urging the international community, especially China, to stop military airstrikes in their controlled areas.
The statement strongly condemned the military for bombing civilian towns and villages with fighter jets, leading to innocent civilian deaths. Areas such as Laukkai, Hseni, Kut Kai, Namtsan, and Mrauk-U, controlled by the northern alliance, have seen no fighting but have been targeted, resulting in the destruction of houses, schools, markets, hospitals, religious buildings, roads, and bridges. The groups called on the international community, particularly China, to intervene and prevent further attacks.
Additionally, an airstrike by the military on August 5 hit the market in TNLA-controlled Kut Kai, burning shops and killing some residents.
A military-affiliated Telegram channel claimed the strike targeted the TNLA command center, not civilians. Following the northern alliance's statement, it was reported that China's special envoy for Asian affairs, Deng Xijun, would visit Myanmar on August 8.
On July 25, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ms. Mao Ning said that China is closely monitoring the situation in northern Myanmar, and border security, not to affect Chinese projects and residents of border areas. It called for relevant organizations to negotiate and stop fighting so as to settle disputes in a peaceful manner and reduce tension; to continue the peace talks and maintain the momentum of the ceasefire and peace talks.
On August 6, the Chinese embassy in Myanmar issued a warning on the embassy's WeChat social network for Chinese citizens from Lashio and other places to move to a place or places away from conflict zones.
In late June 2024, the three northern brotherhood alliances initiated the second phase of Operation 1027, targeting Chinese projects from central Myanmar to the Kyaukphyu Project from Kunming. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) launched attacks in Mogok, Nawnghkio, and Hsipaw, while the MDY PDF collaborated with the TNLA to attack security posts in the Madaya-Singku area. On July 3, the MNDAA and its allies began targeting military bases around Lashio, the location of the Northeast Command.
The Arakan Army (AA) intensified fighting across Rakhine State, focusing on controlling the Kyaukphyu Project, a key Chinese investment. Additionally, the PDF and combined forces initiated the Shan-Mann Operation, spreading conflict to the Mandalay and Sagaing Regions, which host Chinese projects like the Alpha Cement Factory and Ta Kaung Nickel Factory.
The northern brotherhood alliances also reported coordinated attacks by PDF members from Mandalay Region and TNLA members in Sintgu Township, where 15 Chinese citizens were trapped. PDF members met with these citizens and allowed them to leave safely. On August 4, the PDF safely transported the Chinese citizens out of the PDF-controlled area.
The MNDAA announced a one-sided ceasefire from July 14 to 18 out of respect and honor for the four-day meeting of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.
Although the ceasefire was announced, the MNDAA continued to fire homemade rockets into Lashio city and continued to attack the Tatmadaw's battalions. The Tatmadaw also carried out a bombing attack in the city of Hsenwi controlled by the MNDAA, and the MNDAA announced a one-sided ceasefire from July 19 to 31 that it would actively respond to China's demand for an immediate cease-fire and an end the hostilities.
On the other hand, they launched heavy attacks on the military bases in Lashio until August 3, and now it has been announced that they have captured the Northeast Command.
Similarly, a member of the MNDAA met with detained instructors and trainees from No. 11 People’s Military Service Training School in Lashio, northern Shan State. They released a video with Mandarin subtitles and Burmese narration on July 23. In the video, the MNDAA stated that they do not follow Han Chinese ideology in their revolution. This has led to criticism since Han nationals represent Chinese citizens.
The MNDAA released a statement on July 30 urging the people and organizations to protect the interests of Chinese citizens and Chinese companies including Chinese investments.
The military commission of the MNDAA released to protect all the foreign investments, to prevent and maintain losses of Chinese investments as much as possible as well as to protect lives and properties of the public and foreigners.
Actions that may affect investment and employees of the Chinese governments should be prevented and if that the Chinese interests were affected was found, the situation should be presented to the military committee of the MNDAA in time.
Moreover, those who found them should get in touch with the relevant departments of the Chinese government at once, said in the statement.
"To rescue the Chinese citizens trapped in the battlefield in time, and if injured Chinese citizens or the Chinese citizens whose companies are being attacked are found, they should be helped or rescued" said in the statement.
