NSPNC Chairman and Kachin Special Region-1 Leader hold meeting

Sources report that Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, Chairman of the National Solidarity and Peacekeeping Negotiation Committee (NSPNC), and U Zakhun Ting Ying, leader of the Kachin Special Region-1, recently held a meeting. Photographs of the two were shared on Telegram channels linked to military sources.

U Zakhun Ting Ying was the leader of the Kachin Special Region-1 that contains Panwa, Kan Pite Tee, Chipwi, and Sawlaw in Kachin State. 

However, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and combined forces attacked and captured the Kachin Special Region-1 since mid of November and is operating its administrative mechanism. After that, the KIA announced that it had abolished the Kachin Special Region-1.

Following the attacks, rumors circulated that U Zakhun Ting Ying had fled to China for medical treatment, before being flown back to Myanmar under Chinese escort. Local media also reported on his potential relocation to Nay Pyi Taw.

In parallel developments, Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) Chairman General N’Ban La traveled to China on December 8 for talks with the Chinese government, according to KIA spokesperson Major Naw Bu. This diplomatic mission coincides with ongoing rare earth mining activities in the Kachin Special Region, now under KIA control, with the minerals being exported to China. Analysts suggest that the discussions between the parties likely center on the future of mining operations and related economic interests in the region.