Military in Myanmar makes rare concession to opposition forces, urging reconciliation through political means and preparation for upcoming elections. The junta proposed that armed resistance groups form political parties and participate in elections overseen by the military, echoing a similar move made before the 2010 elections. Despite this, rebel forces and ethnic armies rejected the offer. The military, facing strong opposition, controls major cities while opposition forces hold territories along borders and in mountainous regions. China, a key investor in Myanmar, has expressed support for the junta but also engaged in talks with ethnic armed groups. The international community remains skeptical about the junta's commitment to free and fair elections in 2025. Opposition leaders criticize the military's announcement as a ploy to appease China and call for genuine political reforms.