A major ethnic rebel group in Myanmar, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), has signed a ceasefire with the military, mediated by China, following months of intense fighting in the northeast. This ceasefire comes as Myanmar’s military government aims to consolidate its power ahead of elections scheduled for December 28, amidst criticism of the legitimacy of these polls. The TNLA has agreed to withdraw from key strategic towns, while the military has committed to halting its ground offensives and airstrikes. This development underscores China’s vested interests in stabilizing Myanmar, emphasizing the interplay of regional geopolitics as the military attempts to regain control amid ongoing resistance.