April 20, 2025 — The Kokang armed group MNDAA will officially hand over control of Lashio to the Myanmar military on April 21, 2025. The handover process will be led in person by China’s Special Envoy, Deng Xijun, according to sources close to the junta.

As junta officials begin entering Lashio for the transfer, MNDAA and UWSA have been providing security. Deng Xijun is expected to be present during this transition. Negotiations between both sides were held on April 18, focusing on administrative control and the reopening of border trade gates between Myanmar and China.

Lashio was seized by MNDAA and allied resistance forces in August 2024 as part of the 1027 offensive. However, under pressure from China, MNDAA has agreed to return the city to junta control. Despite the handover, MNDAA is not expected to withdraw completely and will likely maintain influence from the outskirts of the city.