The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun has explicitly denied any Chinese intervention in Myanmar’s affairs, even as military council forces have returned in large numbers to Lashio city. This statement was made during a regular press briefing on April 21st in response to journalists’ questions. The spokesperson emphasized that China and Myanmar are neighboring friends, and China’s position on Myanmar affairs is clear, stating they adhere to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs while supporting Myanmar’s sovereignty, independence, national unity, and territorial integrity.
According to the spokesperson, China’s role has been limited to providing friendly advice to relevant parties in Myanmar regarding political reconciliation and the resumption of political reform processes. However, on April 19th, some military council staff and Chinese Special Envoy Deng Xijun arrived in Lashio, followed by the entry of nearly 200 military vehicles. While reports suggest that the Chinese Special Envoy has been mediating the transfer of Lashio to military council control, and discussions about administration are ongoing between the military council and MNDAA, neither side has officially announced these developments. The contrast between China’s stated policy of non-interference and its apparent role in facilitating the military council’s return to Lashio has drawn attention from observers.
Sources involved in Lashio’s reconstruction efforts have confirmed that MNDAA forces have withdrawn from the city. On April 21st, the MNDAA flag that had been flying in Lashio was removed, and despite ongoing secret negotiations between the military council, China, and MNDAA, local residents confirm that the military council has effectively regained control of the city. This situation appears to contradict China’s claims of non-interference in Myanmar’s affairs, as noted by observers who point to the apparent disconnect between China’s stated position and its actual involvement in facilitating the military council’s return to power in Lashio.
