The UWSA (United Wa State Army) is facing its most severe pressure in 40 years due to Chinese sanctions over their support for allied groups during Operation 1027 in northern Shan State, resulting in the loss of billions of Chinese yuan. This was revealed by UWSA Vice Chairman U Kyauk Kaw Am during a meeting with ethnic armed organizations TNLA, MNDAA, and SSPP on August 20. The complete statement was later released by Wa Channel with accompanying video footage.
U Kyauk Kaw Am explained that they had provided support to various organizations out of ethnic solidarity, offering assistance whenever possible within their means. However, he noted that Operation 1027 violated China’s policies regarding northern Myanmar, specifically the directives against military conflicts in the region, interactions with the NUG, and bringing external forces into northern Myanmar. China has now intensified its punitive measures against the Wa State, implementing unprecedented actions including arrests of Wa individuals, asset freezes, and border checkpoint closures.
The Chinese government has made it clear that they will not tolerate any military conflicts in northern Myanmar, particularly in northern Shan State. China holds the Wa State responsible for providing weapons, financial support, and transit routes to various organizations. The current sanctions have resulted in the freezing of assets belonging to Wa State government organizations, companies, and civilians in China, leading to massive financial losses in the billions of yuan. The case of Pauk Kyun Phone and related issues remain unresolved, directly affecting the Wa State’s survival.
The UWSA Vice Chairman emphasized that these pressures from China represent an existential threat to the Wa State, marking the most critical survival challenge they have faced in over 40 years. He warned that if China further escalates its punitive measures against the Wa State, the consequences would be severe. As a result, he appealed to other organizations to refrain from requesting additional weapons and financial support from the Wa State, as they are currently facing unprecedented pressure from China that threatens their very existence.
