Workers involved in Chinese projects in Kyaukphru Township and Madae Island, as well as local residents, have confirmed that no Chinese armed personnel have arrived at these sites, and no security measures are in place.
On December 20, the Arakan Army (AA) successfully captured the Western Regional Military Command, which oversees the Chinese natural gas pipeline route.
On December 21, the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar visited Madae Island in Kyaukphru Township, where Chinese projects are located, according to Chinese project staff and local residents in the Kyaukphru region.
After the arrival of the ambassador’s delegation, there were false reports circulating that over 300 Chinese soldiers had arrived and were providing security alongside the Myanmar junta forces. However, Chinese project staff and local residents in Kyaukphru have confirmed that these reports are inaccurate.
A Chinese project staff member in Kyaukphru, Madae Island, stated to the Border News Agency, “It is true that the Chinese ambassador and his delegation arrived, but no Chinese soldiers have arrived. The security personnel that were already in place are still here. The reports claiming that Chinese soldiers have arrived are false.”
In the Chinese projects located on Madae Island, Kyaukphru, it is reported that only military, naval, and naval forces are providing security. There are no Chinese soldiers or armed Chinese personnel present, according to sources.
The Kyaukphru region, where these Chinese projects are located, has been surrounded and blockaded by the Arakan Army (AA), with intense military tensions between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar junta, according to local residents.
The Arakan Army (AA) has officially declared that it will capture the entire Arakan region, and it has already completely taken control of all cities surrounding Kyaukphru, where Chinese projects are located.
The natural gas pipeline passing through Kyaukphru Township stretches for 54 miles, from Panaechaing village in Ann Township to Kan Myint Kan village in Ann Township. This pipeline is considered highly important for Chinese projects, according to observers monitoring the Chinese investments.
As a result, the Chinese ambassador to Myanmar quickly arrived at the location of the Chinese projects. However, local residents in Kyaukphru have stated that Chinese soldiers and armed Chinese nationals have not arrived at the site.
“A Chinese ambassador’s delegation did arrive, but Chinese soldiers have not arrived. There are Chinese nationals present, but they are not armed. The claim that Chinese soldiers are present is false,” said a local elder from Kyaukphru to the Border News Agency.
In Kyaukphru Township, including Madae Island, large Chinese-led natural gas projects are underway, which involve oil terminals, oil, and natural gas pipelines. These natural gas pipelines run through Madae Island all the way to China. In addition to the pipelines, oil terminals will also be constructed on Madae Island and Rambre Island.
The Arakan Army is intensifying its military operations to fully capture Gwa Township, with Kyaukphru, Sittwe, and Manaung cities remaining as the next targets for their offensive and takeover.
Although there are plans for China and the Myanmar military to cooperate in providing security for Chinese projects in Myanmar, there have been no reports of Chinese armed personnel entering Myanmar as of yet.
