China military on high alert at Myanmar border after live-fire drill ends
“The Chinese military has always been on high alert and will further strengthen border patrol and control, as well as security protection between China and Myanmar,” the article said, stressing that the PLA will take “all necessary measures” to safeguard national sovereignty and the safety of its people.
Myanmar has experienced persistent resistance by rebel groups since its military seized power from the democratically elected government in 2021, sparking civil disobedience.
03:32
Myanmar farmers turn to growing opium with no end in sight to coup chaos
Myanmar farmers turn to growing opium with no end in sight to coup chaos
China has repeatedly raised concerns over the security of the border region during the unrest, conducting its first live-fire drill since the coup in November, followed by this week’s exercise five months later.
According to the PLA, the latest exercise – a joint drill on Tuesday involving land and air forces – was aimed at improving China’s capacity to “handle various emergencies” on the border.
The article repeated China’s calls for a ceasefire in northern Myanmar, urging “relevant parties to maintain maximum restraint and continue to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation”.
Beijing has attempted to broker talks between Myanmar’s junta and the Three Brotherhood Alliance – ethnic armed groups which launched a major offensive in the northern Shan state in October last year.
Four rounds of discussions have taken place so far, with the third leading to a ceasefire agreement that was reportedly breached a day later by the military junta.
In addition to security, China has also been concerned about the disruption to trade caused by the instability in northern Myanmar.
11:59
After three years of civil war in Myanmar, what has been China’s role in the conflict?
After three years of civil war in Myanmar, what has been China’s role in the conflict?
A fourth round of peace talks – held last month in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province which shares a border with the Shan state – focused on the resumption of border trade but yielded no significant breakthroughs, according to Irrawaddy, an independent Myanmar news outlet based in Thailand.
Irrawaddy reported on a visit to Myanmar in February by Yunnan governor Wang Yubo. According to the report, Wang and junta chief Min Aung Hlaing discussed the restoration of trade and the flow of goods between Myanmar and Yunnan.
According to the Yunnan government website, Wang also met Myanmar’s commerce minister during the same trip.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tK%2FMqWWcp51ku6bD0miaoaGelnyutcuiq5qqqWSus8DInKOeZ2NngniEkGtmnKCZo65uuciloK2Zoq56qbXGoWSapJWnwW652JqlppmiYq%2BwvsOeqWaZlqmys3nLoq2eZZaev6Z5w6ugpaRdmrulvw%3D%3D