"Myanmar May Break Apart": Military Junta Expresses Concern Over Pro-Democracy Insurgency Near China Border

The president of Myanmar, under military rule, has expressed concern that the country is in danger of fracturing due to the inadequate handling of recent conflicts along its border regions with China.

The Myanmar junta is currently experiencing its most significant test of power since taking control in a coup in 2021. Insurgents supporting democracy and ethnic minority groups have launched a series of attacks on junta bases in the north, northeast, northwest, and southeast regions.

During a national defence and security council meeting, President Myint Swe of the State Administration Council expressed concerns that if the government fails to efficiently handle the ongoing incidents in the border region, it could lead to the division of the country into multiple parts.

According to the Times of India, he said, referring to the military, "It is necessary to carefully control this issue. As now is an important time for the state, the entire people need to support Tatmadaw."

For many years, the military has maintained that it is the sole entity capable of uniting the varied former British colony. This assertion has been used to validate its control over the government and suppress any opposition.

Myanmar has been in a state of turmoil since the 2021 coup, which saw the military overthrow the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, a prominent advocate for democracy. This marked the end of a decade of gradual reform following years of strict military control.

In the past few days, an alliance of guerrilla factions has taken control of several trading towns on the border with China, causing the junta to lose its grip on these areas.

China announced this week that Chinese casualties occurred as a result of the cross-border firing from the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.

The Chinese foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday (9 November) advising its citizens to avoid areas experiencing intense conflicts and to refrain from traveling to Myanmar.

The Chinese Ministry stated that Chinese citizens currently in areas experiencing high levels of conflict should closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure their safety, including evacuating to a safe location or returning to China.

China has a significant stake in Myanmar's economy, with extensive economic interests in the country.

During a recent visit, Nong Rong, an assistant Chinese foreign minister, urged Myanmar to collaborate with China in order to preserve border stability. Additionally, he requested actions to safeguard Chinese interests.