As rebels seize control of vital roads essential to the Belt and Road Initiative, China sends a minister rushing to Myanmar

Following skirmishes between ethnic armed groups and the Myanmar military, China’s public security minister held discussions with the junta of Myanmar on Tuesday to maintain peace along their shared border, according to official media.

There have been reports of thousands of displaced individuals, some of whom have crossed into China, as a result of coordinated assaults by three armed factions fighting for autonomy against the junta that was attempting to seize control of towns.

The junta’s home minister, Lieutenant-General Yar Pyae, met with Wang Xiaohong, a member of China’s cabinet, the State Council, in the capital Naypyidaw, according to a report from Global New Light of Myanmar.

Without providing specifics, the statement claimed that the two “discussed peace and tranquillity in border areas of the two countries” as well as cooperation on security and law enforcement.

As part of Beijing’s global development initiative, the Belt and Road, a billion-dollar train connection is planned through Shan state in northern Myanmar, where violence has been raging since Friday.

The Arakan Army (AA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) said that they had taken control of many military outposts and important thoroughfares.

The three organizations have engaged in frequent combat with the military for resource control and autonomy. Analysts estimate that they have access to at least 15,000 warriors between them.

The MNDAA claimed to have published video on Monday that showed its forces taking Chinshwehaw, a border village.

According to the junta, since Friday, at least ten military stations in Shan have been attacked.

The conflict has forced nearly 6,200 people to flee, including 600 who crossed the Chinese border, according to the UN.

China, a major armaments supplier and junta backer, has declined to call the military’s takeover of power in 2021 a coup.

China’s ambassador to the nation has had frequent meetings with the leadership in recent months and has given vaccinations and assistance to areas under the organizations’ control during the Covid outbreak.

However, observers note that China also provides support and armaments to a number of organizations along its border with Myanmar, which is home to ethnic Chinese populations that utilize Chinese SIM cards and money.

Beijing is particularly incensed over the proliferation of online fraud hubs that it claims target Chinese nationals and are located in Myanmar’s northern regions.

In Myanmar’s border regions, several ethnic armed groups are active and have been at odds with the government for many years.

Many of the organizations have joined forces with the People’s Defence Forces, which have emerged to oppose the junta, since the military has taken control.