The Nawngtawng border gate, located in Namhkam Township in Shan State has now reopened after being closed for nearly two months by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

Locals report that the goods-only trading gate of the Nawngtawng-Pingmong border post, situated across the Ruili River, remained closed for nearly two months due to TNLA's refusal to allow the passage of goods, only reopening in recent days.

"The Nawngtawng border gate linking Nawng Kham in Myanmar and Nawng Hsawng in China reopened on April 29. As was the case before, only goods are permitted to cross.

Large lorries carrying charcoal and ore are once again moving into China”, a Namhkam-based trader told Shan Herald.

Without prior notification the TNLA, in control of Namhkam Township, abruptly shut down the quays at Nawng Hsawng and Mang'ai on March 11, cutting access to Nawngtawng border gate on the China-Myanmar border.

Since January, sugarcane from Namhkam had been exported to China via that border gate, but when TNLA abruptly closed it, local sugarcane farmers incurred significant losses.

Similarly on May 1, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), reopened the China-Myanmar border trade gate in Pang Hseng (Kyu Koke) town, Muse Township.

However only individuals from the Chinese side are currently permitted to cross the border, while those from the Myanmar side holding previously valid border passes (red books) and are not allowed to enter the Chinese side yet, according to Pang Hseng residents