Ethnic alliance seizes city on border with China: Myanmar's military government withdraws forces from key city on the northeastern border with China as an alliance of ethnic armed groups takes over. The fall of Laukkaing marks a significant defeat for the government, highlighting the pressure it faces amidst battles with pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic minority armed groups. The alliance, known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance, claims to have captured a vast amount of weapons, declaring the entire Kokang region a Military Council-free area. The situation also raises concerns about Myanmar's relationship with China, as the conflict has spilled over into Chinese territory, prompting protests from Beijing.