China has reportedly proposed the establishment of a joint security company with Myanmar’s regime to ensure the safety of Chinese projects and personnel in Myanmar.
The junta formed a working committee on October 22 to prepare a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a security company.
According to the junta’s gazette, the 13-member committee is chaired by the deputy home affairs minister and includes the deputy police chief and defense, communications and transport ministry officials.
The committee’s responsibilities include scrutinizing the importing and regulating of weapons and special equipment, ensuring proper control and usage. It said the committee would last until the MoU is signed.
The security company will apparently handle the import of weapons and special equipment, including communications devices and restricted tools.
The news follows Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s meeting with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing on August 14, where they discussed the acceleration of the Belt and Road Initiative. They also debated the smooth operation of the oil and gas pipelines, which connect Yunnan province with Rakhine State’s Indian Ocean coast. Wang emphasized the importance of protecting Chinese projects and personnel in Myanmar.
During this month’s visit to China, Min Aung Hlaing told Chinese Premier Li Qing that he would make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects.
Myanmar junta’s official announcement on the formation of a Working Committee for Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on establishing a JV security company between Myanmar and China, and The Irrawaddy’s unofficial English translation of the announcement.
He also pledged to begin construction of the Belt and Road-related Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu train line in “secure” areas.
Meanwhile, China pledged support for the junta’s proposed general election and continued implementation of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.
Chinese projects in Myanmar are facing increasing threats as anti-regime groups advance.
The proposed train line would link Muse on the Chinese border in northern Shan State with Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State on the Indian Ocean.
The project was stalled by Brotherhood Alliance advances across most of northern Shan State and Rakhine State.
In July, anti-regime groups seized a Chinese-owned nickel processing plant in Tigyaing, Sagaing Region. Rebels have also occupied the China-backed Alpha Cement factory in Patheingyi Township, Mandalay Region. Junta troops guarding off-take stations of the oil and gas pipelines also reportedly face frequent attacks.
China invited the junta’s home affairs and defense ministers to Beijing for assistance. It has also pressured armed groups along its frontier to cease fighting, closing border crossings and cutting off supplies.
Jason Tower of the United States Institute of Peace said China wants full control and the ability to directly secure its geostrategic investments in Myanmar without depending on the junta. Meanwhile, the junta needs Chinese security support but is concerned about losing sovereignty.
“What the Chinese are asking for seems similar to the ‘island of security’ that they aimed to establish around the Myitsone dam back in 2009 after fighting broke out over hydropower projects in Kachin State. That would have involved Chinese security directly controlling access to the territories around the projects,” he said.
During his meeting with Min Aung Hlaing in August, Wang said external forces should be excluded from interference in Myanmar. Online comments fear the potential arrival of Chinese troops in Myanmar through the proposed security company.
Some comments said China’s proposed security company indicates distrust in the regime’s ability to protect Chinese interests.
Min Aung Hlaing was accused of relying on foreign forces to maintain his power, at the cost of national sovereignty.
