China Implements Military Patrols Near Myanmar Border Amid Ongoing Civil War
BEIJING (AP) — This week, the People’s Liberation Army of China has commenced armed military patrols along the Myanmar border as significant civil unrest persists within Myanmar. The Chinese government expresses deep concern regarding the potential ramifications of ongoing conflict in its neighboring country.
On Monday, military personnel were deployed to Yunnan province in southwestern China. This deployment aims to evaluate the military’s capacity to uphold security in border regions, as stated by the Southern Theater Command of the military. An alliance of ethnic militias in Myanmar has been inflicting substantial challenges on the Myanmar military in the northeastern territories, which borders China. This conflict has resulted in incidents impacting Chinese territory, including an incident in January where five individuals were injured by a stray artillery shell.
From Tuesday through Thursday, live-fire exercises are set to take place in four designated locations, including two in Ruili city, as announced by the local government in Yunnan. These military units will execute armed patrols and engage in joint air and ground patrols to assess their readiness in mobilization, containment, and coordinated defense operations, as elaborated in a statement by the Southern Theater Command.
This current military activity follows previous live-fire drills conducted near the Myanmar border in November. Recently, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, articulated his country’s disapproval of the turmoil and warfare in Myanmar, according to reports from Chinese state media.
Notably, Beijing played a role in facilitating a ceasefire agreement in January; however, this truce deteriorated in June when a faction of the Three Brotherhood Alliance surprised many with renewed military offensives. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, leading the military government of Myanmar, has made allegations regarding foreign support being extended to these ethnic militias, speculating likely reference to China due to its historical affiliations with such groups.
During a diplomatic visit to Myanmar, Foreign Minister Wang Yi communicated to General Min Aung Hlaing that China is against the latest hostilities occurring in Shan state. Furthermore, he expressed the hope that Myanmar authorities would take adequate measures to safeguard the safety of Chinese nationals and ongoing projects within the country.
The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar has recently issued advisories urging its citizens in Shan state to enhance personal security measures and either avoid conflict zones or consider returning to China.
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