- Web Master
- March 25, 2024
Kyaing Hein Lin, Narinjara News, 23 August 2024
In Arakan State, there are still five towns where the
Arakan Army (AA) may launch offensives and those include Kyaukphyu, which hosts
a number of Chinese projects.
Kyaukphyu has a multi-billion-dollar oil & gas pipeline project, an ongoing
deep-sea port and a special economic zone.
During the appointment ceremony of the new Chinese ambassador to Myanmar (Ms Ma
Jia) on 21 August, the junta chief senior general Min Aung Hlaing promised to
protect the safety and security of Chinese projects along with the
employees.
By now, the AA controls most of Kyaukphyu Township, except Dhanyawadi naval base
and Maday island, where the oil & gas project is located.
Narinjara News reached out to China-Myanmar specialist
Dr Hla Kyaw Zaw to understand Beijing’s probable response if the AA attack and
occupy Kyaukphyu.
“It is noteworthy that both Indian and Chinese
investments remain in Arakan State. The AA fighters will act strategically and
intelligently so that foreign investments are not affected. So there is no
immediate cause to worry,” said Dr Hla Kyaw Zaw.
“The AA has already clarified that their actions would not disturb foreign
investments. AA assured
both Beijing and New Delhi about it,” she added.
According to an AA statement on 25 May, United League of Arakan is
committed to prioritizing the interest of locals and regional development. They
welcome investors who are genuinely dedicated to the development of the Arakan
region.
“We are committed to ensure the safety of investments, projects and investors.
We also look forward to the future course of actions,” said the AA statement.
They have already captured Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw,
Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon and Ramree in Arakan State, as well as
Paletwa township of Chin State.
The AA continue the offensive to fully capture Thandwe and Maungdaw towns. They have
already occupied Kyeintali under Gwa township and southernmost part of
Arakan near the Ayeyarwady region. Currently they are advancing towards Gwa
town.
Many political analysts believe that the AA fighters
may launch an offensive against the Kyaukphyu urban area soon.
On 14 August, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi visited
Myanmar and discussed with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. Wang Yi seemingly
compelled the junta chief to avoid harming the Chinese interested
projects in Myanmar.
Currently, there is no fighting in Kyaukphyu urban
area or Maday island. The large international oil tankers continue to operate
in the island, where many Chinese projects are erected.
Photograph: Maday island port, a key site for Chinese
investment under Kyaukphyu/ Photo by Narinjara