The United Wa State Army (UWSA) held a meeting in Pangsang city, northern Shan State, with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP). During this meeting, UWSA announced their new military decision regarding support to these organizations.
According to UWSA’s announcement, they will no longer provide any weapons, military equipment, or financial assistance to any ethnic armed organizations. The statement explicitly mentions that they will cease all forms of support that could facilitate military operations, regardless of the circumstances, timing, or location. This decision marks a significant shift in UWSA’s relationship with other ethnic armed groups in the region.
UWSA explained that the Wa State is currently facing extremely challenging circumstances, which has led to this decision. They urged other organizations to refrain from disturbing the Wa State by requesting weapons, equipment, or financial assistance. This decision appears to be influenced by the current political and military situation in the region, reflecting the complex dynamics among ethnic armed organizations in Myanmar.
This development comes amid increasing pressure from the military council, which has been working in coordination with China to exert influence over ethnic armed organizations in northern Shan State. The UWSA’s announcement is seen as a direct result of these mounting pressures. This situation could have significant implications for Myanmar’s peace process and the relationships between various ethnic armed organizations. The decision reflects the changing landscape of alliances and support networks among armed groups in the region, particularly in the context of the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar.
