Published on 26 Aug 2024
China’s military has increased army and police patrols along its western border with Myanmar due to escalating conflict between the military regime and armed groups opposed to its coup.
The enhanced patrols, which also include air surveillance, will concentrate on the towns of Ruili, Zhenkang, and other front-line areas, according to a statement from the military on Monday....
Ruili, located in China’s southwestern province of Yunnan, is a major route for people and goods traveling to and from Myanmar. However, China has reported that artillery shells from the escalating conflict in Myanmar’s Shan State have injured residents and damaged structures within its territory.
Since late last year, fighting in Shan State has intensified as ethnic armed groups formed an alliance to drive the military out of the region. A Beijing-brokered truce in January collapsed in late June, and the armed groups have since claimed to have overrun multiple Myanmar military posts and seized control of key towns in a renewed and expanded offensive.
In response, the Myanmar military has carried out bombing raids and drone attacks, and imposed restrictions on internet and mobile phone networks. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes.
The Southern Theater of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has organized army units to test their capabilities in rapid deployment, blocking, controlling, and coordinated strikes to maintain security and stability along the border.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently reaffirmed China's commitment to restoring peace and stability in Myanmar. The crisis in Myanmar began when the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
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