BANGKOK (AP) — An explosive device slightly damaged the Chinese Consulate in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, on Friday, but there were no casualties, according to military reports, independent media, and residents. There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack. The incident highlights the volatile situation in Myanmar, where the military, a key ally of China, is facing resistance from pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic militias following its 2021 coup that overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s government. The explosion damaged roof tiles on the two-story consulate, and local security forces are investigating the event to apprehend those responsible, whom they labeled “terrorists.”
This attack comes amid heightened nationwide conflict, with ethnic armed organizations making significant territorial gains in the northeast, a region close to the Chinese border. China’s interests in this area are substantial, as it maintains strong ties with some ethnic minority groups and is Myanmar’s largest trading partner, alongside being a major arms supplier. The Chinese government reportedly wishes to stabilize the military leadership in Myanmar and has enlisted the help of their ethnic minority allies to discourage further offensives.
The incident occurred amid preparations for Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar’s ruling military council to visit China, marking his first trip since assuming power. In response to the attack, security has been tightened around the consulate, with roads closed in the surrounding area. The opposition’s shadow National Unity Government has condemned the attack, emphasizing its commitment to preventing actions that incite racial and religious strife.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/a-small-blast-in-myanmar-s-second-biggest-city-damages-chinese-consulate-11729372479894.html
Category :
Tags:
