Opinion | Why China is taking great pains – but not sides – in Myanmar’s latest armed conflict

Two senior Chinese officials have met the Myanmese junta since resistance groups launched a campaign in the Southeast Asian country’s north

Amid the fighting, Beijing needs to make sure that cybercrime syndicates won’t just move on and resume operations elsewhere

Reading Time:3 minutes

Members of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army train at their base camp in the forest in Myanmar’s northern Shan State. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:40pm, 7 Nov 2023

Within two weeks of armed resistance forces in northern Myanmar launching an offensive against the junta government, Beijing sent two senior officials to visit the country.

First, Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong held talks with senior junta officials on October 31. Assistant foreign minister Nong Rong followed a few days later.

The trips came in the aftermath of a loose grouping called the “Three Brotherhood Alliance” launching “Operation 1027” targeting Myanmese police and military forces in a number of states.

The alliance comprises the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and their offensive is the most severe military challenge to the government since the junta’s coup in 2021.

Nong called for a ceasefire and dialogue, and said Beijing hoped Myanmar could work with China to ensure the safety of the border and Chinese projects and nationals across the border.

Unsurprisingly, Beijing did not take sides.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x