The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar on Tuesday urged Chinese nationals in Lashio and other conflict-hit areas in northern Shan State to move to safer places as soon as possible.
In a Chinese-language statement released through its WeChat Channel, the embassy said the security risk remains high in many parts of northern Shan, especially Lashio, and urged Chinese nationals in those areas to promptly report their personal information to the embassy or a consulate.
It urged all Chinese citizens in northern Shan to strengthen security precautions, to move as soon as the security situation permits, to stay away from conflict zones and to consider evacuating back home. It also urged them to take steps to protect their property.
In case of emergency, Chinese nationals should seek help from the Chinese Embassy in Yangon or the Consulate General in Mandalay “in a timely manner”, the embassy said.
Since it launched Phase 2 of its Operation 1027 in northern Shan State in late June, the Brotherhood Alliance of three ethnic armies—the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army—has captured Lashio, Mongmit, Nawnghkio and Kyaukme in northern Shan State, and Mogoke and Singu in Mandalay Region.
As it has lost territory on the ground, the junta has retaliated by launching indiscriminate air and artillery strikes against civilian areas under the control of resistance forces.
“In northern Shan State there are a lot of Chinese citizens. They are staying there to do business. The Chinese Embassy statement was intended for those people,” a political analyst remarked.
The Chinese Embassy has detailed records of its citizens residing in northern Shan State, he said, but they should contact the embassy individually if they intend to remain there amid the current conflict, he said.
According to residents, before the fighting reached Lashio, thousands of Chinese nationals lived there, spread throughout the city and investing in many types of business. While they have a significant presence in the entertainment sector, including karaoke parlors, restaurants, bars and gambling venues, they are also heavily invested in other businesses that compete directly with local businessmen, residents said.
A Lashio resident said Chinese citizens have been settling in northern Shan State including Lashio since former military dictator Senior General Than Shwe’s era, adding that they pay bribes to the Myanmar military’s immigration officers to obtain National Registration Cards. Another resident said some villages between Kutkai and Lashio have even become predominantly occupied by Chinese nationals.
“They speak Chinese and in some village they just use Chinese yuan. [When fighting nears] they don’t go back to the mainland but go down to other towns and villages situated in southern Shan State, like Panglong, with other internally displaced persons,” he added.
The Irrawaddy could not independently verify their comments.
On July 30, the MNDAA announced it would protect Chinese investments and citizens during the clashes in northern Shan State.
“Now, the military regime is conducting frequent airstrikes in northern Shan State. No one can protect the people from the bombing. It’s the reason the Chinese Embassy issued this statement,” a political analyst said.
On Aug. 6, the Brotherhood Alliance called on the international community, particularly China, to prevent the military regime from bombing towns and villages where there is no fighting.
