Feb. 27 – The Chinese state news agency Xinhua has reported that Chinese troops have been undergoing intensive training near Yunnan’s border with Myanmar as fighting intensifies between Myanmar’s Government forces and the Kachin separatists. Some military shells have already landed in West Yunnan, leading China to step up its surveillance of the deteriorating situation.
Burmese civilians in the region have apparently been seeking shelter from family and friends in Yunnan to escape the fighting.
Peace talks have been held both in Chiang Mai in Thailand and in China’s border city of Ruili, however no progress appears to have been made by either side.
Training by Chinese troops has been stepped up following Chinese New Year with forces being urged to be “battle ready” and prepared for “real combat”, according to Xinhua.
The region is a mix of hilly jungles and deep ravines, often with poor weather.
Chinese Police have also been stepping up the surveillance of Chinese nationals living along the border areas, with reports stating that civilians have been stopped and asked for ID cards.
The current fighting is centered in the town of Laiza, from which the Kachin rebels have controlled a de facto autonomous region for some 17 years. The city is close to China’s western Yunnan border and the Chinese city of Nabang. The Kachin, who formed in 1961, are a group of six tribes who control much of Northern Myanmar, including the Kachin State, as well as parts of North-East India.
The recent fighting broke out after reforms in Myanmar called for a democratic state and the imposition of one national military. There have also been tensions related to the proposed building of the Myitsone Dam, which would flood several Kachin held towns. Work on this project, which is largely funded by China, has currently been suspended.
