Beijing began military exercises near the Myanmar border this Saturday, November 25th. A show of force as violent fighting rages for a month in Burma between the junta and insurgent movements in regions near China.
Published on: November 25, 2023 – 6:49 p.m
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With our correspondent in Beijing, Stephane Lagarde
No images of these so-called “real combat exercises” were shown on Chinese television. And the press release from the People’s Liberation Army Southern Operations Command read out on television does not specify the duration of the operation, the number of soldiers or the amount of equipment mobilized.
These maneuvers on the Burmese border are part of an annual training plan for the armies, the press release continues. They are intended to test the performance of the troops, control and seal the border and use firepower against the enemy. That’s it for the official message.
By the way, everyone will have noticed that these major maneuvers take place the day after the rebel advance. The coalition of insurgents captured dozens of military positions and a strategic city where trade with China flows.
The rebels’ goal is to sever ties between China and the junta, depriving it of liquidity, which has forced Beijing to respond. China is interested in defending its strategic interests, including Chinese-operated gas fields. And she worries about instability on the fringes.
Beijing has urged its nationals to move away “as quickly as possible” from escalating clashes in northern Burma. An area near the Chinese border from which masses of civilians in Burma have also fled. According to the United Nations, 80,000 have left their homes, raising fears of a new influx of refugees.
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