Myanmar's military prime minister convenes with China's head of state for the initial summit since seizing power in 2021.
BANGKOK BUZZ: Myanmar's Military Chief and China's President Lock Horns Over Quake Relief and Civil War
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty! Myanmar's military bigwig, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has finally had a sit-down with President Xi Jinping of China – a crucial ally of the military junta – following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar last March. The jaw-dropper happened in Moscow back in April, on the anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II.
So, what's the tea? Xi promised to help Myanmar recover from the shaking disaster and aid its efforts to end the brutal civil war. But wait, there's more! They also chatted about beefing up cooperation in all sectors and maintaining regional stability, all while China navy-cools the military junta’s maple syrup problems with Western nations.
Behind the scenes, China has been using its pals in ethnic rebel organizations to soften up the military junta. Why, you ask? Well, China has been providing arms, and hey, Myanmar is also its biggest trading partner – with investment in mines, oil, gas pipelines, and infrastructure worth billions. Throw in the 890-mile shared border they both share, and China's interests in Myanmar's security are, like, totally priority numero uno.
Back in 2023, the Three Brotherhood Alliance (comprising the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Arakan Army, and Ta'ang National Liberation Army) launched an offensive that gained significant ground near the China border. Many folk thought ol' Beijing had their tacit support to stamp out bad elements in border regions.
Fast forward to early 2024, and China managed to prompt a ceasefire, only for the alliance to crack skulls again. Beijing, feeling the heat, put the squeeze on rebel groups to give up their prized conquests, like the town of Lashio. According to a confidential source, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army scrammed from the strategic town last month, giving the military junta the chance to gracefully take it back.
In other news, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) spoke up about the difficulties faced by local residents as trade with areas under Chinese influence is stymied. Tar Pan La, a TNLA spokesperson, also mentioned that China had been hassling them to avoid clashes along the border and areas of Chinese investments. The TNLA claimed the junta continues to bomb areas under its control, but they've extended their ceasefire until the end of May, presumably to aid quake relief efforts.
Stay tuned for more! We'll keep an eye on this ever-evolving situation!
Context:
- Myanmar's military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss aid for earthquake recovery and ending civil war.
- China is a major ally, arms supplier, and trading partner of Myanmar.
- The Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Arakan Army, and Ta'ang National Liberation Army, was instrumental in capturing territory along the China–Myanmar border.
- The alliance has disrupted trade routes and poses a strategic challenge for both Myanmar's military and China's economic interests.
Enrichment Data Adjustments:
- Incorporated information on the formation and military operations of the Three Brotherhood Alliance.
- Included details of the alliance's capture of strategic territory along the China–Myanmar border.
- Mentioned the alliance's negative impact on trade routes.
- Highlighted the strategic challenge posed by the alliance to both Myanmar's military and China's economic interests.
- Despite the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, the government has been dealing with the international implications, such as the contentious relationship between the military leader and China's President regarding quake relief and the conflict.
- The media has been reporting on the strategic alliance between three ethnic rebel groups – the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Arakan Army, and Ta'ang National Liberation Army – and their impact on the trade routes between Myanmar and China.
- The Toronto-based media outlets have been closely following the political developments in Myanmar, emphasizing the importance of the general-news coverage, especially given the delicate situation with China and its economic interests in the region.
