Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 12 November 2024

Chinese workers participating in the project in Kyaukphyu Town, Arakan State, are leaving for the mainland because of concerns about possible conflict in the region. 

A nearby resident informed Narinjara News that Chinese laborers from the oil and natural gas pipeline project in Kyaukphyu Town, along with those from the Maday Island deep-sea port, have been leaving for the mainland through Kyaukphyu Airport since the first week of November. 

"Recently, numerous Chinese laborers have been coming back to Yangon and Mandalay. Employees from the natural gas project in Gone Chwein abandoned their backhoes and other machinery since they were prohibited from bringing them. Only the employees themselves came back. The conflict was the primary reason for their departure," the resident stated.

A traveler from Kyaukphyu noted that the significant number of Chinese workers departing has created challenges for other passengers trying to obtain plane tickets to the mainland since many travelers on the flights are Chinese. 

"The aircraft are packed with Chinese travelers. They don't require endorsements, allowing them to travel immediately. However, local residents cannot. We're also unable to purchase plane tickets promptly; there's a hold-up," the passenger said. 

At present, the Arakan Army (AA) is conducting fierce attacks on Taungup Town, which is near Kyaukphyu Town, and the Western Command in Ann Town, resulting in severe clashes. 

Residents have indicated that the conflicts in Taungup and Ann have also affected Kyaukphyu Town. 

Military operations are escalating, as junta troops are executing ambush patrols across the region. 

Moreover, military sources indicate that the junta has sent several reinforcements utilizing naval ships and combat aircraft, while also building extensive bunkers, trenches, and military structures to protect against the AA attack. 

Analysts indicate that the signs of escalating tensions in Kyaukphyu Town have led numerous Chinese workers to leave temporarily, fearing that Chinese projects might be impacted. 

The natural gas and oil pipelines from China stretch from Maday Island in Kyaukphyu Township, passing through the Magway and Mandalay Regions in central Myanmar, traversing northern Shan State, and arriving in Kunming, China. 

The junta earns millions of dollars each year from the project. 

The Shwe natural gas project in Kyaukphyu Town carries oil and natural gas to China, with crude oil shipped every day from Maday Island.