Myanmar Military Loses Control Of Key Border Town

Myanmar's military has confirmed the loss of control over the strategic northern town of Chinshwehaw, which borders China's Yunnan province, following several days of intense clashes with three ethnic armed groups. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun made the announcement late Wednesday, stating that "government, administrative organizations, and security organizations are no longer present" in the town. The fighting has been ongoing since Friday in Myanmar's northern Shan state, an area where a billion-dollar rail link is planned as part of China's Belt and Road global infrastructure project. The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have reported capturing military posts and key roads that connect Myanmar with China, its largest trade partner. The United Nations has expressed concern about the displacement of thousands of people, with some fleeing across the border into China. This escalation in hostilities threatens the stability of the region and could have economic repercussions, given that more than a quarter of Myanmar's $1.8 billion worth of border trade with China from April to September this year passed through Chinshwehaw, as reported by junta-controlled media in September, citing the commerce ministry. Myanmar Military Loses Control of Key Border Town Amid Clashes with Ethnic Armed Groups