Amid escalating conflict between Myanmar’s military regime and armed groups, China has increased army and police patrols along its western border to ensure the safety of its territory.
The heightened patrols, including air surveillance, are focused on front-line areas like Ruili and Zhenkang, where artillery shells from Myanmar have injured residents and damaged buildings.
Since the formation of an alliance by ethnic armed groups against the military regime late last year, fighting in Myanmar’s Shan State has intensified, leading to a breakdown of a truce brokered by Beijing in January.
As the armed groups have gained control of key towns, the Myanmar military has retaliated with bombing raids and restrictions on communication networks, displacing thousands of people.
China has also mobilized army units to maintain security in border areas, affirming its commitment to restoring peace and stability in Myanmar amidst the political turmoil following the coup in February 2021.