Chinese security officials are making yet another attempt to patch up the deteriorating relationship between the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the ruling military junta, following Naypyitaw’s demand last year to place the Wa under its command, according to sources from the Sino-Burma border.
A Chinese delegation from across the border passed through Panghsang this morning on its way to Tangyan across the Salween in the west, 115 miles away. The Wa leadership had been informed in advance on the planned meeting by the Chinese officials with their junta counterparts.
Though details are not available, sources say China is giving one more try to convince the Burmese Army of the futility of war against the Wa.
“The Chinese also asked the Wa whether they would be willing to make more compromises other than agreeing to become a Border Guard Force but not allowing junta officers to run its battalions,” said one source. “For instance, they would like to know whether the Wa could make some concessions on the territorial issue.”
Naypyitaw has offered to return Hopang and Markmang townships to the Wa in exchange for Mongpawk in Mongyang Township and 171st region in Mongton and Monghsat townships on the Thai-Burma border.
The Wa stand so far is that:
* Mongpawk is their connecting link to its ally, the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), which they would like to maintain until further mutual confidence between the Wa and the Burmese Army has been established
* As for the 171st region, the Wa has already invested billions of Kyat in several agricultural projects (“Also if we go back to Panghsang what shall we eat? There isn’t enough grass to feed us let alone rice,” said a UWSA officer)
Meanwhile, an increase in aerial exercises in Shan State East by the Burmese Air Force is being reported. The Shan State East capital Kengtung is only 100 km south of the Wa capital Panghsang.
The Burmese Army, through Chinese brokers, has informed the Wa leadership that failure to positively respond to its BGF programme will lead to:
* Declaration of the UWSA as an illegal organization
* Call for surrender
* War in the event that the Wa refuse to surrender
