Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 10 March 2025 

Chinese mercenaries are said to have reached Kyaukphyu following fierce clashes in the region, known for its Chinese-backed projects. 

A nearby resident, who has been attentively tracking military developments, remarked, "They reached Kyaukphyu dressed in Myanmar military attire, not in Chinese clothing. I am uncertain if they arrived to support the Myanmar military in combating the Arakan Army (AA) or to safeguard Chinese projects. There are also claims indicating that snipers are included in that group." 

The mercenaries were transported by air to Kyaukphyu in the last week of February following intense clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta troops close to the Dhanyawadi naval base in Thit Pote Taung, Kyaukphyu Township. 

DVB, referencing sources close to the junta, stated that 25 Chinese mercenaries were flown to Kyaukphyu through Yangon Airport on February 27. 

Maday Island, which hosts important Chinese projects and hundreds of Chinese laborers, is situated approximately 5 miles from the Dhanyawadi naval base at Thit Pote Taung. 

Recent reports indicate that Chinese mercenaries have been deployed to the junta's Dhanyawadi naval base and multiple battalions, including the 32nd Police Battalion. Others have also been moved on navy ships. 

Reports suggest that roughly 50 Chinese mercenaries, comprising snipers, have been deployed in the area. 

As per military sources, the Chinese mercenaries are not engaged in direct fighting but are offering technical aid, which includes drones, sniper support, and artillery help to the junta forces. 

In 2024, it was reported that the junta had dispatched Chinese troops to protect the Maday Island project close to Kyaukphyu. 

The junta is bolstering the Dhanyawadi naval base with extra personnel, moved by water routes, and has deployed multiple navy ships in and near Maday Island. 

A military source in Kyaukphyu informed Narinjara News that junta forces, reinforced at the naval base, are carrying out military operations and restarting offensives against territories controlled by the Arakan Army (AA). 

“One should not underestimate Min Aung Hlaing. The junta forces are initiating a do-or-die offensive following significant losses in the conflict at Kyaukphyu. They are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the Arakan Army (AA) in this area. The junta forces are primarily depending on the water route," the source stated. 

On the afternoon of March 6, the junta executed a drone bombing strike on U Gin village, situated close to the Dhanyawadi naval base, despite the absence of ongoing combat. After the bombing, a junta unit burned down the village, resulting in the destruction of approximately 140 homes. 

A nearby resident mentioned that the junta troops are carrying out military actions and renewing offensives in the villages of Si Maw, Shauk Chaung, and Kyet Tain, situated close to the Dhanyawadi naval base, where fierce battles with the AA have occurred.