Three Chinese navy ships , led by Senior Captain Sun Bo, arrived in Myanmar on a goodwill visit, signifying a renewed engagement in Chinese defense activities. This move comes amid growing Chinese concerns about the escalating conflict between Myanmar junta forces and insurgents near the Chinese border.
China’s People’s Liberation Navy (PLAN) stated that the guided-missile destroyer Zibo and the guided-missile frigate Jingzhou, accompanied by a Myanmar frigate, docked in Myanmar’s main city of Yangon on Monday. The 700-strong force, on a four-day visit, also includes a Chinese resupply ship named Qiandaohu, as reported by the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
During their stay, the Chinese task force plans to “conduct naval security exercises” with Myanmar, further emphasizing their commitment to defense cooperation. Since 2008, the Chinese navy ships 44th fleet has actively participated in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. Observers recently noted the presence of the 44th fleet in the United Arab Emirates.
Southeast Asia
China has notably increased its defense engagement in Southeast Asia this year, particularly after the lifting of zero-COVID restrictions in late 2022. In a display of this enhanced collaboration, the Chinese and Vietnamese navies conducted their 35th joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf, while Chinese troops engaged in a border defense exchange with armed forces from Laos.
This naval visit assumes added significance as Myanmar junta forces confront ethnic minority insurgents near the Chinese border, causing apprehension in China, which has consistently advocated for peace. Concurrently, Chinese troops have been actively participating in live-fire drills on their side of the border since Saturday. The PLA Daily reported that these drills, part of an annual training plan, aim to ensure People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces are “ready for any emergency.” Despite being a routine exercise, the PLA Daily acknowledged that the conflict in Myanmar has complicated the security situation and inflicted casualties. The drills are set to conclude on Tuesday.