China caught in a double bind between Myanmar junta and rebels

New Delhi: China is in a Catch-22 situation in Myanmar, with the weakening influence of the military junta, even as it is preparing to host Gen Min Aung Hlaing in November (his first visit to the northern neighbour since the coup).

While Beijing tries to balance some of the rebel groups and the junta, it is reliant on the military for effective implementation of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor for its outreach to the Indian Ocean Region.

The attack on the Chinese consulate at Myanmar's second-largest city Mandalay reflects the challenges Beijing faces in the SE Asian country.


China lodged strong protests with the junta and it remains concerned over its influence in the country, experts on Myanmar affairs told ET. The junta remains wary of China's outreach to the rebels and Gen Min Aung Hlaing maintains an independent channel of communication with Russia.

A section of rebels captured Lashio junta's northeastern command and the capital of northern Shan state.