China Warns Ethnic Alliance Not to Intervene in TNLA-MNDAA Conflict

China has warned the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), an alliance of ethnic armed organizations, not to intervene in the recent fighting between the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), according to a source within the bloc.

The TNLA and MNDAA are both members of the FPNCC, which is led by the United Wa State Army (UWSA). The TNLA has repeatedly asked the grouping—through letters and personal appeals—to mediate the escalating tensions between it and the MNDAA. But Beijing instructed the FPNCC to stay out of the dispute, saying it would handle the matter directly, the source told The Irrawaddy. With the bloc sidelined, the ethnic armies’ month-long standoff over territorial control in parts of northern Shan State, among other issues, erupted into open conflict late last week.

The TNLA also appealed directly to China to intervene before the MNDAA launched its assault on Kutkai on March 14, but Beijing did not act, the source added.