Myanmar’s junta has bowed to the China-backed United Wa State Army’s demand for control of Hopang and Panlong towns near the border with China in northern Shan State.

The two towns were seized by the Brotherhood Alliance on Jan. 5 following the surrender of over 700 junta troops. The alliance – comprising the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army – subsequently gave the two towns to the United Wa State Army.

One week after the Brotherhood Alliance launched Operation 1027 in northern Shan State on Oct. 27, the USWA said it would remain neutral despite its ties to alliance members.

Still, it expanded its territory and gained two towns without firing a single bullet.