Beijing: The junta regime in Myanmar and rebel forces have reached a ceasefire agreement, as confirmed by China on Monday, according to state media reports. A 'formal ceasefire agreement took effect at 00:00 on Jan. 18, Beijing time, leading to an immediate cessation of hostilities,' Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning informed reporters in the Chinese capital.
According to Anadolu Agency, the ceasefire was signed between the junta and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) during their seventh round of peace talks held in Kunming, the capital of China's southern Yunnan province. Mao stated that both parties expressed gratitude to China for facilitating the successful outcome of the talks.
The de-escalation in northern Myanmar is seen as beneficial to all parties involved, contributing to the security, stability, and development of the China-Myanmar border region, Mao added. The area has experienced intense clashes in recent months, resulting in the displacement of thousands of people.
In a separate development, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has appointed Malaysian diplomat Othman Hashim as the special envoy to Myanmar. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan announced Othman's appointment following a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers on Sunday. Othman becomes the fifth special envoy of ASEAN on Myanmar since the February 2021 military coup that triggered a political and humanitarian crisis.
During their meeting, ASEAN foreign ministers affirmed their leaders' decision to exclude the junta generals from participating in ASEAN summits and foreign ministers' meetings. Following the coup by Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, ASEAN introduced a Five-Point Consensus plan, which includes fostering dialogue among all parties, ending violence, and alleviating the suffering of residents.
Since the coup, 28,096 individuals have been arrested on political charges, with 21,499 still detained. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reports that at least 6,106 civilians have been killed by security forces, excluding casualties from ongoing fighting.