Hundreds of Chinese security personnel deployed in Kyaukphyu to protect China-backed projects

By Admin 13 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

13 January 2026, Kyaukphyu

Hundreds of Chinese security personnel have been deployed in Kyaukphyu Township, where fighting has intensified, to protect China-backed oil, gas and electricity projects, local sources said.

The security forces are reportedly conducting military surveillance and constructing fortifications, including trenches and bunkers, near the project sites.

Chinese-backed facilities, including a gas refinery, electricity distribution plant and gas distribution station, are located in Gonechein and Ohntaw villages, about six miles from Kyaukphyu.

"At the Power China factory, they are preparing to fire. In other places, trenches have been dug," said a Kyaukphyu resident who has been monitoring Chinese projects in the area.

Security personnel assigned to protect the projects have been arriving in Kyaukphyu Township since February 2025 and are reportedly stationed in buildings linked to the projects.

Additional security measures have been put in place, including the installation of bulletproof glass and CCTV cameras at project sites, while armed protection has also been provided.

"China has sent security forces to protect the projects in Kyaukphyu, but they are not from mainland China. Most of them are from neighbouring Shan State, such as Kokang. There are not many Chinese speakers. I suspect the military has hired mercenaries," said a Kyaukphyu resident close to Myanmar's military regime.

Although there have been reports that Chinese security personnel are providing drones and other military equipment to the military regime on the Kyaukphyu front, DMG has been unable to independently verify claims that mercenaries have been hired.

According to information obtained by DMG, approximately 200 armed personnel are deployed to protect Chinese projects across Kyaukphyu Township.

"Chinese soldiers and junta soldiers sometimes travel together in vehicles. When they go out, the Chinese soldiers wear uniforms but are not seen carrying weapons," said another Kyaukphyu resident.

Chinese security personnel began arriving in Kyaukphyu in early February 2025, following an agreement signed in late 2024 between the military regime and the Chinese government on cooperation to secure Chinese-backed projects.

Kyaukphyu Township hosts several major Chinese investments, including natural gas and oil pipelines, a deep-sea port, electricity distribution facilities and the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

As fighting between the military regime and the Arakan Army continues to escalate in Kyaukphyu Township, the regime has reportedly tightened security around Chinese project areas.