Myanmar-China Watch

First of three free-trade zones will be built at Muse as part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

Beijing appears to be stepping up investment, along with diplomatic aid and arms shipments.

Mining compounds in Sagaing Region are being used as bases for the military's ‘scorched earth’ campaign, say local organizations.

Chinese mining firm Wanbao, which extracts copper in Sagaing Region, has fenced off villages in Salingyi Township.

It was the latest in a series of meetings between junta and Chinese officials on efforts to stem the activities of Chinese gangs operating near the Thai border.

Mandalay Region-based Natogyi Guerrilla Force claimed two junta soldiers were killed when it fired rockets at an off-take station for the oil-and-gas pipelines.

The National Unity Government says there will be instability in Myanmar until military rule is ended.

Qin Gang also met with former dictator Than Shwe, who thanked Beijing for its good friendship and strong support.

Beijing has signaled that it wants to see greater engagement with ‘all parties’; ultimately it will side with whoever wins Myanmar’s conflict.

The country is suffering from an acute electricity shortage, forcing the junta to ask China for a bigger share of energy from Myanmar-based power plants.