MYANMAR’S military government and a major ethnic rebel group in the north-east have signed a formal ceasefire agreement, mediator China said today.

The ceasefire between the military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which seized large tracts of territory along the Chinese border, came into force on Saturday.

It is the second such pact in little over a year, a previous one in January last year not having been honoured by either side.

The new ceasefire was brokered by China in mid-January, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said yesterday at a daily briefing in Beijing.

Myanmar’s military rulers took power after ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The takeover led to nationwide peaceful protests that escalated into civil war.

Beijing has major geopolitical and economic interests in Myanmar and is deeply concerned about instability along the border.

“We hope that all parties will maintain the momentum of ceasefire and peace talks, earnestly implement existing common understandings, take the initiative in de-escalating the situation on the ground and further negotiate and settle relevant issues through dialogue,” Ms Mao said.

She added that China stands ready to promote talks and provide support for the peace process in northern Myanmar. She did not give details and nor did Myanmar’s military government immediately comment on the ceasefire.