China holds military drills along violence-hit Myanmar border

China has commenced military exercises along its border with Myanmar, coinciding with an advisory for its citizens to evacuate the northern regions of Myanmar, where conflicts have been escalating since last month. The clashes have intensified in Myanmar's northern Shan state, particularly near the Chinese border, leading to the displacement of over 80,000 people, according to the United Nations. The armed alliance of ethnic minority groups launched a major offensive in October, resulting in the displacement of more than 332,000 individuals. In response to the situation, China's Southern Theater Command announced "combat training activities" along the border, stating that the aim is to test the troops' ability to control and secure borders and respond to various emergencies. China informed Myanmar's ruling junta about the exercises, with the junta expressing a commitment to cooperating with China for peace and border stability.

On Friday, state-owned Myanmar media reported an incident where the military's opponents used drones to drop bombs on vehicles in Muse, a significant border town facing China's Ruili city. The attack, which occurred on Thursday, reportedly destroyed 120 vehicles carrying household goods, consumer goods, clothing, and construction materials. Muse is crucial for Myanmar's trade with China, and the disruption of this trade route has impacted the junta's finances, compounding economic challenges since the 2021 coup.

Against this backdrop, China issued an advisory on Friday, calling on its citizens to leave northern Myanmar "as soon as possible" and to stay away from the conflict areas. The Chinese military exercises and the advisory highlight the growing concerns and tensions in the region due to the escalating situation in Myanmar's northern border areas.