General Tar Bhone Kyaw, Secretary General of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), has stated that China’s self-interested influence and control over Myanmar represents one of the biggest obstacles to the Spring Revolution. Through social media, he emphasized that China’s dominance and pursuit of its own interests has become a major challenge that the revolution faces. The General highlighted these concerns while discussing the current difficulties facing the revolutionary movement.
In addition to Chinese influence, he identified several other significant challenges, including the military regime’s inhumane acts of violence, the exhausted state of civilians under prolonged oppression, and the current inability to establish strong unified leadership for the revolution. TNLA spokesperson Lwai Ye Oo revealed that China has been exerting significant pressure on the TNLA to prevent fighting in the northern Shan State region. Simultaneously, the military council has been maintaining continuous military pressure in areas including Mogok, Patheingyi, Hsipaw, and Kyaukme.
The TNLA is currently facing dual pressures – both from China’s diplomatic intervention and the military’s ongoing operations. While there are plans for talks between the TNLA and the military junta in August, arranged by China, the TNLA has affirmed its commitment to maintaining its original stance and principles. The organization has made it clear that although they withdrew from Nawnghkio city to prevent civilian casualties, they have no intention of surrendering control of other TNLA-controlled townships including Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Mogok.
The TNLA is actively working with allied forces to maintain control of these areas and has explicitly stated that they will not return these territories to military control, even if such demands are made during Chinese-mediated negotiations. Lwai Ye Oo emphasized that despite giving up Nawnghkio for civilian safety, they are determined to retain control of their current territories and are collaborating with revolutionary allies to maintain their positions. He made it clear that regardless of any pressure during upcoming Chinese-arranged talks, the TNLA will not concede these areas to the military council.
