China to Conduct Military Drills Along Myanmar Border Amid Ongoing Conflict
China is set to commence live-fire military exercises along its border with Myanmar, beginning on Tuesday. This move occurs amidst the escalating civil conflict that has persisted in Myanmar for over three years. The People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command announced on Monday that the drills, which will include both land and air operations, aim to evaluate the “joint strike capabilities of theater troops and ensure security and stability in border regions.” Notably, China previously conducted similar military drills in April.
These military patrols will continue until Thursday and are positioned shortly after the visit of Wang Yi, China’s foremost diplomat, to Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar. During this visit, Mr. Wang reiterated Beijing’s support for the ruling military junta, which has governed Myanmar since a coup in 2021. Analysts suggest that despite affirming this support, China intends to use these drills as a medium to communicate to the junta the necessity of resuming peace negotiations with opposing factions and refraining from exacerbating the ongoing conflict.
Myanmar—a nation of approximately 55 million inhabitants—has experienced further disarray following the military’s reassertion of authority. The junta’s reign has been marked by extreme violence, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the detention of many more. This military regime has faced accusations of egregious human rights violations, including the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas.
In response to the junta’s brutal tactics, a diverse resistance movement has emerged. This coalition comprises urban civilians turned rebels and seasoned insurgents from border areas who have long sought autonomy. Together, they now assert control over roughly two-thirds of Myanmar’s territory, predominantly in the border regions, while the military maintains hold over major urban centers located within the central Irrawaddy Valley.
In conclusion, as tensions continue to escalate in Myanmar, China’s live-fire exercises may serve as both a demonstration of military readiness and a subtle diplomatic maneuver aimed at promoting a return to peaceful discourse, underlining the delicate balance Beijing seeks to maintain in its regional influence and support for the junta’s stability.
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