Chinese special envoy to Myanmar, Deng Xijun, has arrived in Naypyitaw on Thursday following the junta’s loss of its Northeastern Command in Lashio in northern Shan State last week, sources told The Irrawaddy.
The regime and the Brotherhood Alliance of the Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and Ta’ang National Liberation Army were scheduled to meet recently in the southern Chinese city of Kunming in China-brokered talks.
The meeting could not take place amid fighting in Shan State, Mandalay Region and Rakhine State, prompting Beijing to dispatch its special envoy to meet junta leaders.
A source told The Irrawaddy: “I think he comes to put pressure again on the regime and force the regime into doing what China wants.”
China brought forward its proposal regarding Myanmar long ago, said a source. China told junta boss Min Aung Hlaing to hold dialogue with jailed State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic minority leaders, and hold an election based on the results of the dialogue, he added.
Min Aung Hlaing previously told China that it cannot meet a prisoner. He said he would only engage in talks with ethnic armed organizations within the framework of the 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.
The Brotherhood Alliance on Wednesday urged Beijing to use its influence on the junta to stop the bombing of civilian targets in northern Shan and Rakhine State.
Alongside several resistance groups, the Brotherhood Alliance launched the successful anti-regime offensive Operation 1027 in northern Shan State, seizing hundreds of junta bases, command centers, 24 battalion headquarters as well as around 20 towns and vital trade routes with China.
The operation was halted on January 10 after the Brotherhood Alliance agreed to the China-brokered ceasefire with the regime.
However, after the junta repeatedly violated the ceasefire deals the Brotherhood Alliance and its allies resumed the operation in northern Shan State and northern Mandalay Region on June 25. The groups have seized most of northern Shan State, including its capital Lashio, and two towns in northern Mandalay Region.
Meanwhile, the AA has seized most of Rakhine State since November last year.
The junta is conducting airstrikes on schools, hospitals, markets, hotels and religious buildings in liberated areas.
