Rebels may have seized Myanmar's border with China

The MNDAA separatist group appears to have taken control of a border crossing in Myanmar's Shan state, on the border with China.

Myanmar's Kokang news site on November 26 quoted an informed source as saying that gunmen from the separatist group Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) had taken control of the Kyin San Kyawt border gate in Muse district, Shan state, eastern Myanmar.

A Myanmar security source told AFP that the MNDAA had planted its flag in the area to assert control. Local media said the MNDAA, backed by two other separatist groups, the Arakan Army (AA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), had gained ground in the area since launching the offensive on November 24.

Shan State borders China, Laos and Thailand. However, the fighting in recent days has been concentrated in the Kokang autonomous region, near China's Yunnan province.

Weapons and ammunition seized by Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) forces from government troops in Kokang on November 24. Photo: MNDAA — Weapons and ammunition seized by Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) forces from government troops in Kokang on November 24. Photo: *MNDAA*

Myanmar military government spokesman Zaw Min Tun on November 24 accused rebel groups of setting fire to a warehouse near the border gate, burning 120 trucks.

Clashes between Myanmar government forces and rebels have recently escalated as these groups launched coordinated attacks on military bases and police stations. Myanmar rebels have taken control of several towns and outposts in the country's northeast.

The United Nations says about two million people in Myanmar have been displaced by the escalating fighting. A UN spokesman said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "deeply concerned by the escalation of conflict in Myanmar" and called on all parties to protect civilians.

Myanmar media reported earlier this week that at least 10 people were killed when a rocket hit a vehicle carrying civilians for evacuation in Shan State. Spokesmen for Myanmar’s military government and a rebel group operating in the area both condemned the attack and denied involvement.

The Chinese military began military exercises near the Myanmar border on November 25, without announcing a date for the end of the series of military operations. The Southern Theater Command said the training activities will focus on border security.

Over the past month, Beijing has also continuously called on all parties involved in the war in Myanmar to exercise restraint, work towards a ceasefire and ensure border stability.