The PLA Daily said China is determined to safeguard border security. “Maintaining security and stability on the China-Myanmar border is the common aspiration and happiness of the people of the two countries,” the statement said.
“China pays close attention to the relevant conflicts in northern Myanmar and calls on relevant parties to immediately cease fire and engage in peaceful dialogue to avoid escalating the situation,” the statement added.
Rebel groups in northern Myanmar have launched coordinated attacks on multiple targets of the Myanmar military government. Photo: Kokang
On Saturday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army began a four-day live-fire exercise at various locations in Yunnan Province along the border with Myanmar.
The drills – the first since 2017 – were seen by some observers as a message to both Myanmar’s military government and armed groups to ease tensions, amid growing concerns about the safety of Chinese assets and people in the area.
Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for Myanmar’s military junta, confirmed to Myanmar media on Saturday that China had informed them about the drills, which he said were aimed at “promoting stability and peace” in the border area.
Myanmar's military government is facing its biggest challenge since it took power three years ago. Rebel groups in the country's north are launching coordinated attacks on various government targets.
One of those groups, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), said on Saturday it had taken control of a major trading post in the border town of Muse. A video showed the MNDAA flag being raised at the Myanmar-China border trading zone in Kyin San Kyawt.
Myanmar state media reported that the military's opposition used drones to drop bombs on vehicles in Muse on Thursday, setting 120 cars on fire and destroying them.
Huy Hoang (according to AFP, SCMP)
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