China Conducts Military Patrols Near Myanmar Border Amid Escalating Conflict

China’s military announced on Monday that it has organized army units and joint air-ground police patrols near the Myanmar border to ensure security and stability as the conflict between Myanmar’s ruling junta and rebel forces intensifies.

The patrols are concentrated in key frontline areas such as Ruili and Zhenkang, according to a statement from the Chinese military. The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is leading these operations, testing the troops’ ability to “quickly move, block, control, and strike together,” with the aim of maintaining stability in the border regions.

This move comes in response to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, where fighting between the junta and rebel forces has spilled over into Chinese territory. Recently, artillery shells from the Myanmar conflict have injured people and caused structural damage on the Chinese side of the border, prompting Beijing to ramp up its security measures.

China has expressed concern over the impact of the Myanmar conflict on stability and social order in the border areas. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently reaffirmed China’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in Myanmar, signaling ongoing diplomatic and military engagement to address the situation.