Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

In response to question regarding reports that the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) withdrew from the Lashio of Shan State earlier Tuesday and handed over control of the area to the Myanmar military, and the change of control in Lashio was reportedly facilitated by Chinese mediation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China respects Myanmar's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In accordance with the wishes and demands of relevant parties in Myanmar, China actively assists Myanmar in advancing the peace process in northern Myanmar.

China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors, and maintaining peace and stability in northern Myanmar aligns with the common interests of both countries and peoples, said Guo.

Guo said that to implement the consensus reached during the Kunming peace talks between the Myanmar government and the MNDAA, and at the invitation of both sides, China recently dispatched a ceasefire monitoring team to Lashio, Myanmar, to oversee the ceasefire between the Myanmar military and the MNDAA, and witness the smooth handover of Lashio. Both parties involved commended and expressed gratitude for China's constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in northern Myanmar. 

In the next phase, China will continue to advance the Kunming peace talks process, promote ending of war and peace negotiations in northern Myanmar, and work with all parties in Myanmar to safeguard peace and stability along the China-Myanmar border, he said.

Global Times