Is Myanmar’s military junta losing patience with China?

Relations between Myanmar’s military leadership and China appear to be under growing strain as Beijing’s efforts to restore cross-border trade and accommodate ethnic armed groups clash with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing’s determination to regain lost territory.Recent developments, including an unusual diplomatic decision by Naypyitaw, public criticism of China by prominent military supporters, and differences in official messaging, suggest that the relationship may be more troubled than either side publicly acknowledges.At the centre of the tensions is northern Shan State, where Chinese-brokered ceasefire agreements have helped the junta recover some territory lost during Operation 1027, but left powerful ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) in control of strategically important. . . Subscribe for full access Myanmar Now's award-winning journalism is made possible by our subscribers. Become one today. Subscribe now Already a subscriber? Log in