Myanmar: Beijing confirms casualties in fighting between rebel groups and army
Local media in Myanmar reported on Saturday that a Chinese man had been killed and two other Chinese injured in army attacks on the town of Laiza. The main base of the rebel organization Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is located in the border town of Laiza. According to the report, a grenade landed on the Chinese side of the border.
The Chinese ministry spokesman said that Beijing had lodged a serious protest with the relevant parties and was following the conflict situation in northern Myanmar very closely. China once again called on all parties to the conflict to "immediately cease fire", Wang said. They must "take realistic measures to prevent incidents that endanger the lives and property of people in the Chinese border area again".
Myanmar's military lost control of several towns in the northern state of Shan on the border with China last week. An alliance of several rebel groups reportedly captured dozens of military outposts.
The rebel attacks are the biggest military challenge facing the military junta, which came to power in a coup in 2021. Last week, China called for an immediate ceasefire in the region, where a billion-dollar project to build a railroad line is planned as part of the New Silk Road infrastructure initiative launched by China. Pipelines that supply China with oil and gas also run through the area.
- The Chinese casualties in the border area of Myanmar were a result of clashes between the army and rebel groups, specifically the Kachin Independence Army, near Laiza.
- Beijing expressed concern over the incidents and urged all parties involved in the conflict, including the Myanmar army, to halt fighting immediately to prevent further harm to Chinese victims in the border region.
- The fighting between the military and rebel groups in the border area of Myanmar has disrupted several towns, including those captured by various rebel groups, leading to a significant military challenge for the Myanmar junta established after the 2021 coup.
- Beijing has strategic interests in the region, including a billion-dollar railroad project and pipelines that supply oil and gas, making it vital for China to prevent any escalations in the border area that may negatively impact these interests and potentially lead to further casualties among Chinese civilians.
Source: www.ntv.de
