New Chinese ambassador meets junta ministers

By Admin 29 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 August 2024, Sittwe

Junta Defence Minister General Tin Aung San and new Chinese ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia met on Wednesday in Naypyidaw to discuss border stability and security, junta media reported.

The two also discussed the potential for increased cooperation in defence and the provision of training for Myanmar military personnel.

China specialist Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw said the Chinese ambassador might have warned Gen. Tin Aung San to make sure junta airstrikes in fighting near the border in northern Shan State and elsewhere do not land on Chinese soil.

"China is conducting a military drill at the border. I think the Chinese ambassador met him to explain about the drill. China might also have concerns that bombs and bullets from fighting on the Myanmar side of the border will fall into its territory. So, she might have warned him about that. It also appears that the two armies are planning to communicate," said Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw.

Ma Jia also met junta foreign minister Than Swe on Tuesday to discuss Chinese projects in Myanmar.

China has continuously engaged with the regime after the Northeastern Command fell into the hands of the ethnic Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army last month.

One politician said: "The regime has lost the whole northern Shan State, which borders China. China is not satisfied with the regime as it keeps losing battles with ethnic armed organisations. So, the Chinese ambassador has met [junta ministers] for the sake of Chinese interests in Myanmar."

When he met Ma Jia to accept her credentials on August 21, junta boss Min Aung Hlaing promised "utmost efforts" to protect Chinese investments in Myanmar.