Chinese military begins live-fire drill near Myanmar border

ANKARA

The Chinese military on Wednesday began its live-fire air defense exercise near the Myanmar border amid escalating conflict between the junta government and rebel fighters in the Southeast Asian country.

In a statement, the Chinese Defense Ministry said the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) organized its army and air force troops to conduct a live-fire air defense exercise on the Chinese side of the China-Myanmar border from April 17.

"The exercise aims to test the troops' reconnaissance and early warning, three-dimensional blockade and control, warning and expulsion, and air defense strike capabilities," it said.

However, the ministry did not share further details about how many days it will continue.

"The troops of the PLA Southern Theater Command are always ready to deal with all kinds of emergencies and safeguard national sovereignty, border stability, and the safety of people's lives and property," it added.

Early this year, at least five Chinese citizens were injured when artillery shells landed in Chinese territory in Nansan, a subtropical town near Myanmar. Later Beijing also lodged a protest with Myanmar.

Since February 2021, opposition armed groups have attacked junta forces that rule the Buddhist-majority Southeast Asian nation in ethnic clashes centered primarily in northern Myanmar, including Shan and Rakhine states.

They have captured many towns and outposts.

In mid-January, China brokered a cease-fire between warring parties and the ruling military junta.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid