During the meeting between leaders of the Chin People’s Union/Chin People’s Army (CPU/CPA)—a coalition of resistance forces based in southern Chin State—and the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), discussions covered not only political and military issues but also trade and economic matters.
In February, at the invitation of the ULA/AA, members of the CPU/CPA Central Executive Committee visited Arakan (Rakhine) State and met with ULA/AA leaders, including Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing.
“The two sides discussed future political and military cooperation during the revolutionary movement. We also explored potential cooperation in regional trade, including mutual trade between the Arakan and Chin people, and how we would jointly respond if the junta were to launch an attack,” said Salai Yaw Man, spokesperson for the CPU/CPA.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on developments in the ongoing Spring Revolution. They also discussed the importance of good neighborliness and mutual benefit between Chin and Arakan states, and agreed on plans for future cooperation.
“We know the ULA/AA is working hard to promote regional trade and economic development, and we want to build mutual support that benefits both sides. For example, we can export high-quality products from Chin State—such as coffee and avocados—and, in the future, items like strawberries and tea leaves to Arakan State, while importing products from them. So, we discussed economic and trade cooperation between the two sides, as well as the prospects of the revolution and the possibilities for further collaboration,” Salai Yaw Man explained.
In its statement on April 20, the CPU/CPA acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and excellent hospitality its Central Executive Committee members received from the ULA/AA during a two-week visit to Arakan State, where they were taken to various landmark sites including renowned pagodas and gained valuable learning experiences.
The CPU/CPA emerged from the initial phase of a merger of four Chin armed groups based in Paletwa, Mindat, Matupi, and Kanpetlet townships in Chin State, as part of a move toward transforming the Chin Brotherhood Alliance into a unified armed force. The AA also maintains warm relations with the Chin Brotherhood Alliance.