AA partially controls 9 of 11 Chinese-back projects in Arakan: report

By Admin 24 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
24 August 2024, Sittwe

Nine out of 11 Chinese-backed projects in Arakan State have been partially controlled by the Arakkha Army (AA), according to the latest report from the Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar (ISP-Myanmar).

The AA has partially controlled the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port and special economic zone, gas-fired power plant in Kyaukphyu, the oil and natural gas pipelines, Kyaukphyu-Ann railway road, Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway road, Mandalay-Kyaukphyu motor road, Kyaukphyu-Nay Pyi Taw motor road, and a wind power project in Thandwe Township.

According to ISP-Myanmar report, the value of Chinese projects controlled by the AA is over US$2.3 billion, including projects that have not yet been implemented and whose value is unknown.

U Pe Than, a political analyst and veteran Arakanese politician, said the AA would encourage and not hinder the continued implementation of projects under its control.

“The AA has said that partially controlled projects will be encouraged without any hindrance and will be protected under the foreign investment policy. If all the projects fall under the AA, there can be discussions about benefits and benefits between the officials of both parties,” he added.

The AA has announced that it will welcome any kind of foreign investment that contributes to regional development that is beneficial to Arakan State and will protect the safety and lives of investors.

The AA has so far seized control of Ramree; Sanae town in Kyaukphyu Township; Tattaung Town in Ann Township; Maei Town in Taungup Township; and Thandwe, where Chinese-funded projects are located.

Junta bases and military camps in Ann, Taungup and Kyaukphyu townships are currently besieged and or being attacked by the AA.

Analysts say the regime is trying to protect and assert authority over Chinese projects that the AA has not yet fully controlled so as not to lose significant economic leverage and suffer additional territorial loss.

“The regime wants to protect Kyaukphyu with its Chinese projects in order to maintain them,” said U Tun Kyi, a political observer.

Since launching its offensive in November of last year, the AA has seized nine townships in Arakan State as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.