• Myanmar's junta extends ceasefire until April 30 after devastating earthquake.
• The earthquake has killed over 3,700 people and left millions in need.
• International mediators and humanitarian groups emphasized the need for continued peace.
• Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing met with ASEAN's chair for cooperation on aid.
• Continued fighting noted despite the ceasefire declaration.

Myanmar's junta has extended a ceasefire declared after the catastrophic earthquake on March 28, which has killed over 3,700 people, until April 30. This extension aims to facilitate ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts, with over two million people now reported in critical need of assistance, according to the UN. The initial ceasefire was called on April 2, but conflict monitors noted that fighting persisted during this period, indicating a complex humanitarian situation in the country. Aid groups and international mediators had urged the junta for an extension to allow further aid delivery amid the ongoing turmoil, which has plagued Myanmar since the military coup in 2021... according to channelnewsasia, lemonde, and trtglobal.

In light of the ongoing crisis, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing recently met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who heads the ASEAN regional bloc. They discussed measures to facilitate humanitarian operations and the overall peace situation in Myanmar. Following discussions, Anwar reported that both sides agreed to avoid any escalation of fighting, suggesting a cautious approach towards stabilizing the region. Currently, the junta maintains that it will retaliate if other armed groups launch attacks during the ceasefire period... according to channelnewsasia, channelnewsasia, and trtglobal.

China has also become involved by sending a monitoring team to oversee the ceasefire, which underscores its growing influence in the region amidst Myanmar's ongoing civil conflict. The ceasefire brokered by China with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) further complicates the situation, as it is separate from the broader humanitarian ceasefire supported by ASEAN meant to enhance relief delivery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. Fighting continues on multiple fronts, keeping the humanitarian crisis at a critical level... according to channelnewsasia, lemonde, and trtglobal.