Chinese Army Conducts Drills Near Myanmar Border After Truck Convoy Fire

The Chinese army announced that it will begin "combat training activities" starting today, Saturday, on its side of the border with Myanmar, following a fire that broke out in a truck convoy carrying goods to the neighboring Southeast Asian nation. This incident comes amid security concerns in China, which saw its envoy meet with senior officials in Myanmar's capital to discuss border stability after recent signs of rare tension in their relations. The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army stated that the training aims to "test rapid maneuverability, border sealing, and firepower capabilities of the theater forces." The fire occurred on Friday in Myawaddy at a time when the Myanmar military has lost control over several towns and military sites in the northeast and other areas while facing the largest coordinated offensive since seizing power in a coup in 2021. The United Nations indicates that the escalation of fighting has led to the displacement of more than two million people in Myanmar.