As Myanmar Nears the Brink, Worries Mount in China

Residents inspect the aftermath of junta bombings on the border city of Lashio. The recent fall of the city to rebel forces was a major blow to the military regime. Image: AFP

Myanmar’s ruling military junta is under increasing pressure from several ethnic militias. The military government, which took power in a coup in 2021, kept its grip on the country through advanced firepower, partly due to support from Russia and China.

However, a coordinated group of militias is chipping away at this dominance. The conflict between the military rulers and these groups intensified after the coup. As ethnic minorities in the border regions fought for greater autonomy, pro-democracy People’s Defense Forces radically shifted the balance of power.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Cobus van Staden

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2
Uncertainty Roils Minerals Markets
3 Chinese Scholars See Russia’s Venezuela Strategy as a Model of Hybrid Power Projection in the U.S.’ Backyard
4 From J-10C to Kaan? Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Deal With Turkey Shocks Chinese Military Fans
5 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C
6
Indonesia Goes Nuclear, Taps China and Russia for Modular Reactors

You Might Like

Thailand, China Stage Myanmar Talks

Chinese officials will attend meetings in Bangkok on Thursday and Friday aimed at crafting regional solutions to the crisis in Myanmar. The two meetings are seen as a bold attempt from Thailand to ...

Philippines Pushes for India to Join Anti-China “Squad”

The Philippines is reportedly trying to move India to join the Squad, a defense alliance made up of the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. The grouping was created as a response ...

Beijing Leans Into Ties With Myanmar’s Military Government as Ethnic Rebels Capture More Territory Near Chinese Border

Senior Chinese officials wrapped up a series of high-level talks with the leadership in Myanmar over the weekend amid a worsening insurgency that is now spilling over the border into China. Chinese ...

Myanmar Junta Minister Heads to Beijing for Security Talks

The Myanmar junta’s home minister has left for China for security talks with Beijing’s minister for public security, state media said Thursday. Lieutenant-General Yar Pyae left for China on Wednesday for a “working ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

More about CGSP