China said on Thursday that the ruling military in Myanmar and an alliance of ethnic minority militias have agreed to a temporary cease-fire and continued dialogue during peace talks it mediated.
"China hopes that concerned parties will exercise maximum restraint and together realize the soft landing of the situation in Myanmar," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, days after the three militias vowed to continue fighting to bring down the junta in a major offensive launched in late October.
The talks were held recently in China, according to ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.
The offensive, together with attacks by other ethnic groups and pro-democracy armed forces, is posing what could be the biggest challenge to the military since it ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government in a February 2021 coup.
The Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprising Kokang, Palaung and Rakhine ethnic insurgent groups based in eastern Shan State, said Tuesday they would never back away from supporting the "political ambitions" of the Myanmar people, who have suffered oppression by the military, according to local media reports.
The alliance's statement came after a junta spokesman said Monday it had held talks brokered by China for a ceasefire with the ethnic military groups.
The alliance has taken over 200 military positions, including several towns in Shan and western Rakhine State, since the start of the offensive, dubbed "Operation 1027," after its launch date, Oct. 27.
Myanmar has over 130 ethnic minority groups spread across seven major ethnic states.
Related coverage:
Myanmar shadow government urges Japan to step up pressure on junta
At least 29 killed by Myanmar junta airstrike on refugee camp: report
Myanmar envoy to U.N. calls for more pressure on homeland's junta
