Narinjara, April 27 , 2025

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has conveyed its profound regret about having to retreat from Lashio, Shan State, because of political pressure.

The announcement was issued via The Kokang media platform of the MNDAA on April 26.

“A representative from the MNDA health department expressed profound regret over the necessity to pull out from Lashio because of political pressure,” reported The Kokang media outlet.

This marks the first occasion the Kokang Army (MNDAA) has disclosed its withdrawal from Lashio in northern Shan State as a result of political pressure.

“The health sector has seen advancements during the recovery phase following the successful takeover of Lashio, with many health initiatives launched; however, the Lashio General Hospital has shut down due to political pressure,” reported The Kokang in a media article.

The Kokang army departed from Lashio on April 21 after the military council and the MNDAA reached a ceasefire agreement with Chinese mediation, but the implementation of the military council's administration has drawn criticism.

Political analyst U Pe Than, a previous Rakhine politician and Myebon MP, stated, “Both the MNDAA and the military council cannot endure Chinese pressure. They will follow China's own path."

The Chinese embassy has officially declared that a team for monitoring the ceasefire from China has been sent to Lashio to oversee a peaceful transfer of the city to the military council.

While China asserts that it does not meddle in Myanmar's internal matters, its push to restore Lashio to the Burmese military regime is largely perceived as clear interference in Myanmar's domestic issues and is drawing criticism.

On August 3, 2024, Lashio, the headquarters of the military council’s Northeastern Command, was seized by the MNDAA and PDF resistance forces and returned to the military council over eight months later.