China Calls for Cooperation from Myanmar to Maintain Border Stability Amid Ongoing Conflict

China's Assistant Foreign Minister visits Myanmar following capture of key trading outpost by armed groups, urging military government to protect Chinese residents and trade interests amidst ongoing conflict.

• China's Assistant Foreign Minister, Nong Rong, has called on Myanmar's military government to ensure the safety and protection of Chinese border residents and interests, particularly following the capture of the border town of Chinshwehaw by rebel groups. The town is a crucial trade conduit between the two countries with a value of about $1.8 billion annually.
• Nong Rong visited Myanmar to discuss the conflict that has already displaced over 23,000 people according to the United Nations. He urged Myanmar to strengthen the security of Chinese personnel and take effective measures to ensure stability along their shared border.
• The capture of Chinshwehaw represents a significant setback for Myanmar's military government, which has been struggling to maintain control since the coup in February 2021 led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
• China requested an immediate ceasefire in the northern unrest in Myanmar, where a billion-dollar rail project under Beijing's $1 trillion Belt and Road Initiative is planned. The military government has recently carried out air strikes on Laiza, a town on the Chinese border and a stronghold of the Kachin Independence Army.
• China has remained supportive of Myanmar's military government ever since the coup, opposing Western sanctions and urging respect for Myanmar's sovereignty. In contrast, the government has faced widespread condemnation from Western nations and scandalous sanctions.

4 Articles

South China Morning Post Al Jazeera CNA Reuters