https://arab.news/93qyp
- Myanmar鈥檚 northern Shan state has been the site of repeated clashes since late June
BEIJING: China鈥檚 army and air force began live-fire exercises Tuesday next to its border with Myanmar, local authorities said, following recent bilateral talks on security in the area.
Myanmar鈥檚 northern Shan state has been the site of repeated clashes since late June after ethnic rebel groups renewed an offensive against the military along a vital trade highway to China.
Beijing is a major ally and arms supplier to Myanmar鈥檚 junta, but analysts say it also maintains ties with ethnic armed groups that hold territory near its border.
Earlier this month Myanmar鈥檚 embattled junta chief hosted China鈥檚 foreign minister in Naypyidaw for talks on the 鈥渟tability of the border regions.鈥�
Shan state borders China鈥檚 Yunnan province and is a vital piece of Beijing鈥檚 Belt and Road Initiative.
Local authorities in Yunnan said the drills, held according to an 鈥渁nnual training plan,鈥� would last until Thursday.
The exercises 鈥渁im to test the command鈥檚 reconnaissance, early warning, multi-dimensional control and strike capabilities,鈥� according to a spokesperson for the People鈥檚 Liberation Army, quoted by state news agency Xinhua.
Troops involved 鈥渁re prepared to handle various emergencies and are committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, border stability and the safety of people鈥檚 lives and property,鈥� the report said.