Many readers have told SHAN they had never heard of Kokang until 1989, when the former ethnic forces of the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) mutinied and concluded ceasefire pacts with Rangoon.

We therefore hope this chronology will help shed some light on this truly fascinating people.

Geography
Kokang lies east of the Salween, between China in the north and east, Shan State proper in the west and Wa in the south. Wa and Kokang are divided by the Namting that flows east to west into the Salween.

Kokang is 2,200 sq.km. known for its tea plantations and opium production. During the British days, it was said to produce 30% of Shan State’s total output (Wa was 60% and Loimaw 10%).

17th century    Kokang founded by the Yangclan loyal to the Ming dynasty who fled to Yunnan. The capital was Ta Xuetang (Ta Shwehtang).

19th century        Became part of British Hsenwi State in northern Shan States

World War II (1939-45)    Fights under Kuomintang forces against Japanese occupiers of Burma.

1947    Secedes from Hsenwi, becomes the 34th principality of Federated Shan States.

1949    Yang Zhensai (Edward Yang) becomes Saofa (One of his sisters is the colorful and manly Yang Jinsiu aka Olive Yang).

1959    Yang Zhensai joins other Saofas in relinquishing traditional power to the Shan State Government

1962    Military coup by Gen Ne Win. Most fomer Saofas including Yang detained.

1963    Jimmy Yang aka Yang Zhensheng aka Sao Ladd, Edward’s brother forms Kokang Revolutionary Force

1964    KRF joins Shan State Army as its Fifth Brigade but later split into several factions.

1967    Peng Jiasheng, one of the Kokang commanders, invited to China to form the Kokang People’s Liberation Army (KPLA)

1968    Communist Party of Burma (CPB), backed by China, enters Shan State. KPLA becomes part of CPB forces

1989    11 March: Peng mutinies, an act followed by Wa, Mongla and Kachin forces. All conclude ceasefire agreement with Burma’s military government

1992    Ousted by Yang Mouliang but returns to power two years later

Latest developments

April    All ceasefire groups told by Naypyitaw ceasefire era is over and they have to transform themselves to Border Guard Forces (BGF), nominally commanded by ethnic officers but run by the Burma Army officers

July    Peng expels 6 executive members including his deputy Bai Souqian and Liu Guoxi. They had reportedly been angry with Peng for unfair distribution of power and were in favor of the BGF status. They defect to the Army

6 August    Junta investigators arrive to look for drug refineries and an arms factory, after allegedly reported by the 6 defectors of their existence. Peng stalls

8 August    Burma Army arrives in force, Kokang army surrounds it. Intercession by China saves the day. Burma Army returns home without finding anything.

10 August    Five pro-Peng officials invited to Lashio and detained. Two sent to Laogai to persuade Peng to attend meeting in Lashio. He declines to come.

21 August    Peace and Democrat Front (PDF) issues statement in support of Peng and urges Naypyitaw to resolve all differences and disagreements peacefully.

22 August    Police serves summons for Peng, his brother Jiafu and his two sons (Daxun and Dali) to appear in court. Again he declines to.

24 August    Police issues arrest for Peng and three others

25 August    Burma Army comes in force and sets up a new provisional executive committee led by Bai Souqian. Peng retreats to the border.

27 August    Fighting, mainly in Laogai and Qingsuihe (Chin Shwe Haw) on the border with Wa.

28 August    Peng issues statement exhorting his allies to rise and fight

29 August    The bulk of Kokang force retreats into China and disarmed by PLA. The remainder continues to fight