The Myanmar military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have reached a formal ceasefire agreement that commenced on Saturday, as announced by China’s foreign ministry, effectively halting hostilities along the border of the two nations.

Discussions took place in Kunming, a city in southwestern China, where both parties expressed gratitude to Beijing for its role in facilitating peace, according to ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a regular press briefing on Monday.

Mao emphasized that de-escalating tensions in northern Myanmar serves the mutual interests of all stakeholders within Myanmar and neighboring countries, contributing to the security, stability, and development of the border regions between China and Myanmar. She affirmed that China will persist in its efforts to foster peace and dialogue while offering support to the peace process in northern Myanmar.

The MNDAA is among several ethnic minority armed groups engaged in efforts to resist military control over what they regard as their territories. It is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army, and has been actively opposing the military junta since late October 2023, capturing significant areas near the Chinese border.

Comprising ethnic Chinese members, the MNDAA reported last July that it had gained control of a key military base close to the border with China. Analysts indicate that China is concerned about the progress of anti-junta forces, which have driven the military out of crucial border regions and are advancing toward the central city of Mandalay.

In February 2021, the military took control from Myanmar’s civilian government, leading the nation into a state of crisis. China is concerned that instability along its extensive 2,000-kilometer border with Myanmar could threaten its investments and trade interests. Earlier, in January 2024, Beijing facilitated a ceasefire agreement in the northern border regions; however, this agreement collapsed a few months thereafter.