China has reported that artillery shells have injured residents and damaged buildings in its territory during fighting in Shan State.
The Chinese military has stepped up military and police patrols along its western border with Myanmar amid growing conflict between the military regime and armed groups opposed to its coup.
The patrols, which also involve aerial surveillance, will focus on the cities of Ruili, Zhenkang and other frontline areas, the military said in a statement Monday.
Ruili, in southwest China’s Yunnan province, is a major route for people and goods to and from Myanmar, but China has reported artillery shells injuring residents and damaging structures on its territory amid growing conflict across the border in Myanmar’s Shan state.
Fighting has intensified since the end of the year, when ethnic armed groups formed an alliance to drive the army out of the region.
A truce brokered by Beijing in January broke down in late June, with armed groups claiming to have overrun several Burmese military posts and taken control of key towns in a renewed and expanded offensive.
The military responded with bombings and drone attacks, and restricted internet and mobile phone networks.
Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes.
The Southern Theater of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army said it has also organized army units to test the soldiers’ ability to “move quickly, block and control, and strike together, and maintain security and stability in border areas,” the military said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also said recently that China would continue “its commitment to restoring peace and stability in Myanmar.”
Myanmar was plunged into crisis when the military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
