‘High concerns’: China demands border security guarantee from Myanmar junta as rebels gain ground

“We also urge the Myanmar side to take practical and effective measures to ensure security and stability along the China-Myanmar border,” Mao said.

02:17

China's telecoms fraud crackdown with Myanmar may help workers trapped in scam rooms

China's telecoms fraud crackdown with Myanmar may help workers trapped in scam rooms

An alliance of three ethnic armed forces in Myanmar’s Shan State bordering China’s Yunnan province has launched offensives against the junta troops in the region, claiming “significant wins” in the past few days.

Since the conflict broke out on October 27, China has repeatedly asked for a ceasefire and assurance of border security. The Chinese embassy in Myanmar has also warned Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to conflict areas.

Beijing has pressured both the junta government in Naypyidaw and the self-ruled ethnic authorities of the border areas to crack down on criminal syndicates running massive telecoms scams, gambling, fraud, and human trafficking operations there.
Chinese police are also offering rewards of up to 500,000 yuan (US$68,500) for information leading to the arrest of several suspected syndicate heads in Shan state, some of whom also hold Chinese citizenship.

The rebel alliance says one of the objectives of its military operations is to eliminate “criminal syndicates protected by the junta”.

Telecoms scams and online gambling were on the agenda late last month when Chinese Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong visited Myanmar and met General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Management Council of Myanmar.

Wang called for cooperation between the two countries’ law enforcement and security authorities to combat the criminal activity.

The general said his government would protect Chinese citizens and their property in Myanmar.

03:03

Families of victims file criminal complaint against Myanmar military generals in Manila

Families of victims file criminal complaint against Myanmar military generals in Manila

The Myanmar junta government is facing its toughest challenge since seizing power in a coup in 2021. In addition to the conflict in Shan state, fighting erupted on two new fronts this week – in the western states of Rakhine and Chin, where the rebel troops are seeking to take control of the border with India.

Myanmar’s military-appointed president, Myint Swe, said last Thursday the country was at risk of breaking apart due to the failure to deal with the insurgency more effectively.