SHAN STATE – The free flow of trade from Wa State to Kokang has begun according to the instructions of the Chinese government.
The United Wa State Army (UWSA) issued a notice on January 20, informing that an instruction was received from the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, permitting the full freedom over the flow of vehicles, people and goods across the Phaungseik Bridge connecting Kokang and Hopan of Wa State.
The permission for trade began on January 20 and it is said that all products except for military equipment can be traded freely as normal.
Chinshwehaw, the border gate between Kokang and China and Namtit (Mankhar), the border gate between Wa State and China were also reopened on January 19 with the flow of fuel returning.
China shut down the border gates in northern Shan State controlled by revolutionary forces at the beginning of the second wave of Operation 1027 during which the junta council lost Kyinsankyawt, Chinshwehaw, Yanlonkyoe, Mongkoe and Namkham Gates.
