China's Role in Brokering Peace Talks in Myanmar's Conflict with Rebel Groups

Myanmar's military junta has reportedly held talks with three armed rebel groups, facilitated by China, as the military continues to face challenges to its rule. The rebel groups, aligned with a pro-democracy parallel government, launched a coordinated offensive in October, gaining control of military posts and towns near the Chinese border. The meeting, whose details were not disclosed, was said to be facilitated by China, and another meeting is expected to take place at the end of the month. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 360 civilians and the displacement of more than half a million people.