China military on ‘high alert’ at Myanmar border after live-fire drill ends
- The PLA said the war in its neighbour’s northern region ‘seriously threatened’ security and stability as well as residents’ safety in both countries
- This week’s joint exercise in Yunnan province is the PLA’s second in the area since Myanmar’s military coup in 2021
An article published by the official PLA Daily said on Thursday that tensions had intensified recently in northern Myanmar, where rebel groups are resisting the country’s military rulers.
While the two countries have been “friendly” neighbours for decades, the war in northern Myanmar has “seriously threatened” security and stability in the border region and “the safety of lives and property of the border residents on both sides”, it said.
“The Chinese military has always been on high alert and will further strengthen border patrol and control, as well as security protection between China and Myanmar,” the article said, stressing that the PLA will take “all necessary measures” to safeguard national sovereignty and the safety of its people.
Myanmar has experienced persistent resistance by rebel groups since its military seized power from the democratically elected government in 2021, sparking civil disobedience.
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China has repeatedly raised concerns over the security of the border region during the unrest, conducting its first live-fire drill since the coup in November, followed by this week’s exercise five months later.
