The Wa headquarters in Panghsang has faulted on the cumbersome bureaucratic practice across the border in Meng A (Mong Nga in Shan) for its failure to issue a border pass to the group’s delegates in time to join the latest round of peace talks in Ruili on 11-12 March, according to the sources on the Sino-Burmese border.

“This is typical Chinese bureaucracy,” said an informed source. “There is an abysmal lack of coordination. Most likely the authorities in Menglien (Mong Lem in Shan) who know the Wa leaders well were not informed by Meng A.”

Another source told SHAN normally it takes 1-3 days to get a border pass. “But this time it seemed overly long,” he commented. “I don’t know what happened.”

The Weekly Eleven News journal reported on 12 March that the Wa delegation to the Ruili meeting was denied permission to travel through Chinese territory by Chinese authorities. It did not say why.

One speculation was that Beijing did not want to embarrass itself by allowing representatives of an organization that is being dubbed as the world’s biggest drug organization to sit together at a high-profile meeting.

Zhao Zhongdang, deputy commander in chief; Li Julie aka U Aung Myint, Central Office executive; and Zhao Guo-an, chief of External Affairs were chosen to represent the United Wa State Party / United Wa State Army (UWSP/UWSA) at the Kachin-Naypyitaw peace talks.

Zhao Guo-an is reported to be close to the new Kokang leadership led by Bai Xuoqian who is supported by the Burma Army.