Arakan Army commander-in-chief is expected to enhance relationship with Beijing

 Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 20 September 2024

An expert on Chinese affairs believes that major general Twan Mrat Naing, commander-in-chief of Arakan Army (AA) will do his best to build a relationship with the China government in Beijing.

Dr Hla Kyaw Zaw, the expert, made this comment responding to queries of Narinjara News over China's relationship with the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA), following the increasing pressure from Beijing on ethnic armed organizations in northern Myanmar.

"China maintains a relationship with the AA. However, the AA cannot comply whenever Beijing makes a demand. I see that they are managing the situation with flexibility to maintain their effective relationship,” said  Hla Kyaw Zaw.

He stated that while the relationship with China is difficult to maintain, the resistance forces need to build connections in all  possible ways.

"The AA is exploring various opportunities to achieve a sustained relationship with Beijing. The political fraternity and resistance forces need to establish good relationships," stated Hla Kyaw Zaw.

They should also  establish relationships with the neighboring countries regardless of the situation there and learn to engage themselves with these connections while building ties with China as well, asserted Hla Kyaw Zaw.

"Arakan needs to build relationships with Bangladesh, India and China. Through the process, they may learn how to deal with  those nations,” opined  Hla Kyaw Zaw.

In an interview with Irrawaddy News, major general Twan Mrat Naing observed that the junta's navy personnel hold  a stronger position. They  may pose a serious challenge to the AA fighters. However, the situation is not entirely negative. The AA fighters are advancing steadily, added  Hla Kyaw Zaw.

The AA operates in regions which are not close to the China border. So any pressure from Beijing may not arise as a serious concern. However many Chinese projects are located in Arakan State and hence the relationship between Beijing and the AA is interdependent.

The AA assured that it will protect Chinese projects and concerned employees in the Arakan region. But it has officially announced that the AA fighters will continue  attacking Kyaukphyu town, where a number of Chinese projects are located.

Beijing recently announced that it will not interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs. However, the Chinese administration is providing support in preventing the collapse of Myanmar military regime. It’s also applying pressure on armed resistance groups in different ways. As a result, anti-China demonstrations organized by exiled Burmese citizens have recently broken out in a few western nations, including the USA.