Wa, Kokang armies expected to join junta peace talks as ethnic groups press political demands

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), also known as the Kokang army, are expected to participate in peace talks hosted by the military junta. The talks aim to stabilize northern Shan State as the junta continues its offensives elsewhere, and will include the groups’ calls for statehood and territorial recognition. The participation of these ethnic armed organizations is seen as an opportunity for them to voice their political and territorial demands regarding the future of Myanmar, which is under the junta's rule. The peace talks are intended to bring stability to northern Shan State, where the junta has been conducting military operations in other regions. The involvement of the UWSA and MNDAA could be a significant step towards resolving the long-standing conflict, although the extent to which their demands will be met remains uncertain.