Checkpoints operated by the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) along the Lashio–Muse Union Highway, a key route for China–Myanmar border trade in northern Shan State, have been dismantled and withdrawn following pressure from China.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a Kokang armed group, informed the two organizations in the third week of March to remove the checkpoints at China’s demand.

“All checkpoints along the stretch between the Muse 105-Mile trading zone and Namhpatkar Village in Kutkai Township were forced to withdraw, so there are no checkpoints left on that section anymore. The KIA also had to pull out its positions. This was carried out under pressure from China, conveyed through the MNDAA,” a local military analyst said.

There is also speculation that China’s pressure, conveyed through the MNDAA to remove these checkpoints, could be a step toward reopening the entire Muse–Lashio–Mandalay Union Highway, a critical route for China–Myanmar trade.

“I think China wants to reopen the trade route, and it appears likely that it intends to deploy its proxy, the MNDAA, along that highway. That would also allow China to expand its mining operations in the region. If the highway reopens, it will be able to transport sugarcane, corn, and minerals from Myanmar more freely,” the source added.

SSPP/SSA and KIA checkpoints that had been set up at the entry and exit points of Namaun Village, near the 105-Mile trade zone, have now been relocated about five miles away from the highway.

Previously, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) also maintained checkpoints along the highway. However, beginning on March 13, during a week-long clash between the two groups, the MNDAA forcibly removed all TNLA checkpoints in Kutkai, Namtu, Namhpatkar, and the Muse 105-Mile area. The MNDAA now largely controls the Lashio-Muse section of the Union Highway.

“Kokang people speak Chinese and share close ethnic ties, language, and systems with China. The MNDAA wouldn’t dare to take any action without a green light from Beijing. China appears to be using different approaches to ensure its investments in Myanmar yield results,” a political and military analyst said.

There are ongoing activities by the SSPP/SSA, KIA, MNDAA, and TNLA along the Lashio–Muse Highway.

In March, the junta pressured the SSPP/SSA to dismantle checkpoints and roadblocks along the Yatsauk (Lawksawk)–Naungcho (Nawnghkio) Highway, which links the southern and northern parts of Shan State.