Earthquake. Myanmar Junta Declares Ceasefire but military fired at Chinese Red Cross convoy

The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military has announced a temporary ceasefire to aid relief and reconstruction efforts following last week’s devastating earthquake, which has claimed at least 2,886 lives. The ceasefire, in effect from 2 April to 22 April, marks a rare pause in the country’s ongoing civil conflict.

The move comes after rebel groups fighting the junta unilaterally declared their own ceasefire earlier this week to support rescue efforts. Until Wednesday’s announcement, the military had refused to reciprocate.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which struck last Friday, has left hundreds still missing and has worsened Myanmar’s already dire humanitarian crisis. The tremors were felt as far away as Thailand, where 21 deaths have been reported.

Despite the ceasefire declaration, tensions remain high. On Tuesday night, Myanmar’s military fired at a Chinese Red Cross convoy carrying aid supplies in eastern Shan State. The convoy was en route to Mandalay, one of the hardest-hit cities. The junta claimed its troops fired warning shots after the vehicles failed to stop at a checkpoint. No injuries were reported.

China’s foreign ministry confirmed that its rescue team and supplies were safe and called on “all factions and parties in Myanmar to prioritise earthquake relief efforts.”

Rebel group Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which was escorting the convoy, insists it had notified the junta of the vehicles' movements. The military, however, said it had not received prior notice and demanded that all aid agencies inform authorities before delivering assistance.

International aid agencies and foreign governments have dispatched emergency relief teams, but accessing affected areas remains difficult due to ongoing conflict and damaged infrastructure. The true death toll is feared to be much higher than official figures.

While the ceasefire offers a brief respite, it remains uncertain whether it will lead to further cooperation between warring factions or if hostilities will resume once the period ends.