Beijing has called for an immediate ceasefire in Myanmar's escalating civil conflict. This comes after a group of armed people, including the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Arakan Army (AA), and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), took control of an important trading spot between the two countries over the weekend.
Myanmar, a South-East Asian nation of 54 million people, is currently embroiled in a civil war with numerous armed ethnic and pro-democracy factions fighting the military junta which threw an elected government out of power in a sudden coup in 2021.
The armed alliance's offensive against the Aung Min Hlaing-led junta has resulted in the rebels gaining control of numerous military positions and a strategically significant town for trade with China. The junta government has acknowledged losing at least three towns, posing the toughest armed challenge to the junta since its ascent to power three years ago.
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In response, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) expressed determination to safeguard border security in an editorial published on Sunday by PLA Daily, the news website of the Chinese military.
“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.”
There have been confirmed Chinese casualties and reports of damage on the Chinese side of the border since the conflict broke out in October.
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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.
