“We plan to hold a Shan ethnic-based national-level political dialogue soon so that we can represent the desires and voices of the Shan people at the upcoming third session of the 21st-Century Panglong Conference. We plan to hold it at a place that is convenient for everyone,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sai Nguen, spokesperson of the RCSS/SSA.

A statement from the RCSS/SSA released on July 14 following a biannual meeting at the Loi Tai Leng headquarters acknowledged that the national conference should be held "in the future”, but did not supply further details.

The RCSS/SSA’s initial request to hold the ethnicity-based dialogue in Taunggyi was denied by the government due to a dispute over the location. A region-based dialogue was held in April, but is distinct from an “ethnic” focused gathering.

The fact that Shan State was unable to hold the ethnic-based national-level dialogue prior to the second Panglong peace conference in June proved a major sticking point, with Shan delegates questioning why they should participate since they had not yet been permitted to consult with their people.

Lt-Col Sai Nguen said that the RCSS/SSA does not need to seek permission from any organizations in order to hold the forthcoming political dialogue in accordance with the nationwide ceasefire agreement, which it is party to.

“We need to undertake two steps to achieve unity in Shan State. The first step is [unity] between the Shan people. The second step is cooperation among different ethnic peoples from Shan State. The Committee for Shan State Unity has been established for the Shan people,” he said.

He also said that the RCSS/SSA will cooperate with other ethnic armed organizations, including those from the Northern Alliance, which are currently fighting the Tatmadaw, and are not signatories to the peace agreement.