China’s military has announced that it will begin “combat training activities” on its side of the border with Myanmar.
The combat training comes just one day after a convoy of trucks carrying goods into the neighboring Southeast Asian country caught fire.
The incident, described as an insurgent attack by Myanmar state media, occurred amid security concerns in China, whose envoy met with top officials in Myanmar’s capital for talks on border stability following recent signs of rare strain in their ties.
The training aims to “test the rapid maneuverability, border sealing, and fire strike capabilities of theatre troops,” according to the Southern Theatre Command, one of five in China’s People’s Liberation Army.
Meanwhile, Myanmar was informed of the drills, according to military junta spokesman Zaw Tun, who added that they aimed to “maintain stability and peace” near the border and did not contradict China’s policy of non-interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs.
“The military tie between China and Myanmar is firm and collaboration between both armies is friendly and building up,” said the official.
However, the fire in Muse came as Myanmar’s military has lost control of several towns and military outposts in the northeast and elsewhere as it battles the largest coordinated offensive it has faced since seizing power in a 2021 coup.
According to the UN, the surge in fighting has displaced more than 2 million people in Myanmar.
