Chinese military urges ceasefire in Myanmar’s civil conflict as rebel group claims border trading point

China’s military mouthpiece called for an immediate ceasefire in Myanmar’s widening civil conflict as an armed ethnic group reportedly claimed control of a border trading point on the weekend.

In an editorial published on Sunday, PLA Daily said China was determined to safeguard border security.

“Maintaining the security and stability of the China-Myanmar border is the common aspiration and well-being of the two peoples,” it said.

“China pays close attention to the relevant conflicts in northern Myanmar and urges relevant parties to immediately cease fire and engage in peaceful dialogue to avoid escalation of the situation.”

China starts live-fire drills with Myanmar in security test as junta, rebels clash

On Saturday, the People’s Liberation Army started four days of live-fire drills at various points in Yunnan province along its border with Myanmar.

The drills – the first since 2017 – have been seen by some observers as a message to both Myanmar’s junta government and the armed groups to reduce tensions, as concerns mount over safety of Chinese assets and residents in the area.

Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the junta government, confirmed to Myanmese media on Saturday that China informed it about the exercises, which he said were “regular” and to “promote stability and peace” in the border region.

The junta is facing its toughest armed challenge since coming to power three years ago.

Northern rebel groups are mounting coordinated attacks on various government targets. One of those groups, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), claimed on Saturday to have taken control of a major trading point in the border town of Muse, according to The Kokang, a media outlet affiliated with the group.

A video posted on The Kokang’s Facebook page showed an MNDAA flag being raised at the Myanmar-China border trade zone in Kyin San Kyawt.

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Myanmar’s state-owned media reported that the military’s opponents had used drones to drop bombs on vehicles in Muse on Thursday, destroying 120 vehicles, according to Agence France-Presse.

There have been confirmed Chinese casualties and reports of damage on the Chinese side of the border since the conflict broke out in October.

China does not officially recognise the junta government but has maintained good relations with the administration and repeatedly insisted that it would not interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs.

Visiting Myanmar earlier this month, assistant foreign minister Nong Rong called for stronger measures to protect Chinese interests in the country.

South China Morning Post