China steps up armed patrols at border as conflict intensifies in Myanmar | Conflict News

China has reported that residents have been injured and buildings damaged by artillery shells during fighting in Shan State on Chinese territory.

Amid escalating conflict between the military regime and armed groups opposing the coup, China’s military has increased army and police patrols along its western border with Myanmar.

The patrols, which include aerial surveillance, will focus on the cities of Ruili, Zhenkang and other frontline areas, the military said in a statement on Monday.

Ruili in China’s southwestern Yunnan province is one of the main routes for people and goods to and from Myanmar. However, China has reported that artillery shells have injured residents and damaged buildings on its territory, while conflict is escalating across the border in Myanmar’s Shan state.

Fighting has intensified since the end of the year after armed ethnic groups formed an alliance to drive the military out of the area.

A ceasefire brokered by Beijing in January collapsed in late June and armed groups said they had overrun several Myanmar military bases and taken control of key cities in a renewed and expanded offensive.

The military responded with bombings and drone strikes as well as restrictions on the internet and mobile phone networks.

Thousands of people had to leave their homes.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater of Operations said it had also organized army units to test soldiers’ ability to “move quickly, block and control, strike jointly, and maintain security and stability in the border areas,” the military said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also recently said that China would continue “its commitment to restoring peace and stability in Myanmar.”

Myanmar plunged into crisis when the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.