A temporary ceasefire agreement was adopted in thethird meeting between the Myanmar military junta and Three Brotherhood Alliancerepresentatives, said a Chinese foreign ministry official.

"Both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire aswell as disengage military personnel and resolve relevant disputes &demands through peaceful negotiations," said Mao Ning, China foreignministry spokesperson in a press conference held on 12 January.

Both parties also pledged not to undermine the safetyof Chinese people living in the border areas and Chinese projects insideMyanmar, added the foreign ministry spokesperson.

Mediated and facilitated by Beijing, the third meetingwas organised in Kunming on 10 and 11 January. It included sevenrepresentatives from the national solidarity & peacemaking negotiationcommittee (NSPNC) of the junta led by Lt Gen Min Naing and five representativesfrom  MNDAA, seven from TNLA, and another seven from Arakan Army (AA).

Deng Xijun, the special envoy for China’s Asianaffairs was also present in the meeting.

According to a source close to Three Brotherhood Alliance, the ceasefire wasset to commence from 11 January itself. However, it will be limited to thenorthern Shan region only and would not extend to other areas  includingthe Rakhine region.

As of 12 January, fierce conflicts continue in Rakhine townships of Minbya,Kyauktaw, and Mrauk-U.

"There's been no impact of the ceasefire here. The battles in RakhineState are unfolding in various towns including Paletwa of Chin State,” saidRakhine politician U Pe Than.