- Experts warned Newsweek that conflicts in Myanmar near China’s border could jeopardize Beijing’s multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure project in the area as well as the primary commercial route between the two nations.
- Following conflicts between armed groups and the military government led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing—which took control in a coup in February 2021 and has been up against opposition from pro-democracy parties ever since—China dispatched its Assistant Foreign Minister, Nong Rong, to Myanmar to urge calm.
- The border town of Chinshwehaw, which is in the northern part of the eastern state of Shan and borders China’s Yunnan province, was taken over by ethnic minority rebel groups commanded by the Brotherhood Alliance, dealing a blow to the junta. Trade between the two states is valued at $1.8 billion.
- Over 90 army outposts have apparently been taken by rebel groups since October 27, and the military has reportedly admitted to losing at least three towns.
- Around 48,000 people have been displaced by fighting in the volatile area, according to the UN, and Min Aung Hlaing has vowed to stop insurgent advances. In response, his military has launched airstrikes.
- “Beijing’s message appears clear—either the military junta takes concrete measures to ensure border stability, or China will,” said Craig Singleton, a senior China fellow at the non-partisan Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Source:
newsweek
