China says Myanmar promises border stability
By NG HAN GUAN, Associated Press Writer – Tue Sep 1, 6:21 am ET
NANSAN, China (AP) – Myanmar has pledged to restore peace to a border area where its troops battled ethnic rebels, in fighting that sent more than 30,000 refugees fleeing into China, Beijing said Tuesday.
The comments by China's Foreign Ministry came as authorities pulled down tent camps after thousands of the refugees went home Monday. The number leaving appeared to fall sharply Tuesday.
While the deadly fighting reportedly has ended in Myanmar's northern Kokang region, monitoring groups have warned it could resume.
Myanmar's ruling junta thanked China for caring for its citizens during the crisis, China Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regularly scheduled news conference in Beijing.
"Myanmar also promised to restore peace and stability along the border," Jiang said.
Myanmar's border regions have for decades been the scene of fighting between ethnic armies and the ruling military, conflicts that have displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is largely estranged from the West, but China, with its policy of noninterference in the politics of its allies, has maintained close economic and diplomatic ties with the junta. Large numbers of Chinese citizens have migrated to Myanmar for business and major state companies are big investors in the country's oil and gas industries.
The crisis, however, prompted a rare request from Beijing that Myanmar calm the situation.
Last week's fighting broke out after hundreds of Myanmar soldiers moved into Kokang to pressure wary rebels to give up their arms and become border guards. The junta wants stability with its several armed ethnic groups before next year's national elections, the first in nearly 20 years.
The junta said the three days of fighting killed 26 government soldiers and at least eight rebels.
Chinese authorities housed the refugees in makeshift camps in Yunnan province, and about 4,000 returned home on Monday. But many thousands remained, and it was not clear whether they intended to stay. Some camped in unfinished buildings, their laundry hanging from the frameless windows.
"Chinese people don't really want to stay over there anymore," said Zhang Suzhen, a Chinese citizen heading back to Kokang to look after her shop.
"Some of the people have lost everything they own," she said.
Officials in Yunnan refused to release updated information on the status of the refugees and ordered foreign journalists to leave the area.
The Foreign Ministry's Jiang said China was providing "necessary humanitarian assistance" to the refugees, but gave no figures on numbers remaining or a schedule for closing the camps.
She repeated an earlier statement that Myanmar had apologized for the death of one Chinese national from three artillery shells fired into Chinese territory.
"After what happened, China and Myanmar have kept in close communications," Jiang said.
Aung Din, executive director of the U.S. Campaign for Burma, said Myanmar forces were continuing to pour into the northeast, as a prelude to more fighting.
Despite its policy of nonintervention, China may try to persuade Myanmar to hold its fire to ensure border stability ahead of the Oct. 1 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of communist China, said Lai-Ha Chan, a researcher on China at Australia's University of Technology, Sydney.
Chan said more serious political steps are unlikely, adding, "Myanmar still holds ideological and material value for China."
By NG HAN GUAN, Associated Press Writer – Tue Sep 1, 6:21 am ET
NANSAN, China (AP) – Myanmar has pledged to restore peace to a border area where its troops battled ethnic rebels, in fighting that sent more than 30,000 refugees fleeing into China, Beijing said Tuesday.
The comments by China's Foreign Ministry came as authorities pulled down tent camps after thousands of the refugees went home Monday. The number leaving appeared to fall sharply Tuesday.
While the deadly fighting reportedly has ended in Myanmar's northern Kokang region, monitoring groups have warned it could resume.
Myanmar's ruling junta thanked China for caring for its citizens during the crisis, China Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regularly scheduled news conference in Beijing.
"Myanmar also promised to restore peace and stability along the border," Jiang said.
Myanmar's border regions have for decades been the scene of fighting between ethnic armies and the ruling military, conflicts that have displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is largely estranged from the West, but China, with its policy of noninterference in the politics of its allies, has maintained close economic and diplomatic ties with the junta. Large numbers of Chinese citizens have migrated to Myanmar for business and major state companies are big investors in the country's oil and gas industries.
The crisis, however, prompted a rare request from Beijing that Myanmar calm the situation.
Last week's fighting broke out after hundreds of Myanmar soldiers moved into Kokang to pressure wary rebels to give up their arms and become border guards. The junta wants stability with its several armed ethnic groups before next year's national elections, the first in nearly 20 years.
The junta said the three days of fighting killed 26 government soldiers and at least eight rebels.
Chinese authorities housed the refugees in makeshift camps in Yunnan province, and about 4,000 returned home on Monday. But many thousands remained, and it was not clear whether they intended to stay. Some camped in unfinished buildings, their laundry hanging from the frameless windows.
"Chinese people don't really want to stay over there anymore," said Zhang Suzhen, a Chinese citizen heading back to Kokang to look after her shop.
"Some of the people have lost everything they own," she said.
Officials in Yunnan refused to release updated information on the status of the refugees and ordered foreign journalists to leave the area.
The Foreign Ministry's Jiang said China was providing "necessary humanitarian assistance" to the refugees, but gave no figures on numbers remaining or a schedule for closing the camps.
She repeated an earlier statement that Myanmar had apologized for the death of one Chinese national from three artillery shells fired into Chinese territory.
"After what happened, China and Myanmar have kept in close communications," Jiang said.
Aung Din, executive director of the U.S. Campaign for Burma, said Myanmar forces were continuing to pour into the northeast, as a prelude to more fighting.
Despite its policy of nonintervention, China may try to persuade Myanmar to hold its fire to ensure border stability ahead of the Oct. 1 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of communist China, said Lai-Ha Chan, a researcher on China at Australia's University of Technology, Sydney.
Chan said more serious political steps are unlikely, adding, "Myanmar still holds ideological and material value for China."
***************************************************************
Myanmar refugee crisis in China begins to ease
By NG HAN GUAN, Associated Press Writer – 43 mins ago
MANGSHI, China (AP) – A refugee crisis on China's border with Myanmar eased on Tuesday, with Beijing saying Myanmar's ruling junta had pledged to restore stability to the area where its troops battled ethnic rebels last week.
The fighting in Myanmar's northern Kokang region sent more than 30,000 refugees fleeing to China, several thousand of whom have since returned to their homes. Chinese authorities on Tuesday pulled down some vacated tent camps.
The country's ruling generals thanked China for caring for its citizens during the crisis, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regularly scheduled news conference in Beijing.
"Myanmar also promised to restore peace and stability along the border," Jiang said.
The Southeast Asian nation's border regions have for decades been the scene of fighting between ethnic armies and the ruling military, conflicts that have displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is largely estranged from the West, but China has maintained close economic and diplomatic ties with the junta that ensured Beijing access to
its neighbor's vast mineral wealth. Large numbers of Chinese citizens have migrated to Myanmar for business, and major Chinese state companies are big investors in the Myanmar's oil and gas industries.
The crisis, however, prompted a rare request from Beijing that Myanmar calm the situation.
Last week's fighting broke out after hundreds of Myanmar soldiers moved into Kokang to pressure wary rebels in the traditionally ethnically Chinese region to give up their arms and become border guards. The junta is trying to ensure stability in border regions where several armed ethnic groups operate before next year's national elections, the first in nearly 20 years.
The junta said the three days of fighting killed 26 government soldiers and at least eight rebels, while independent reports said looting was extensive in the region, best known as a haven for drug smuggling and unregulated gambling.
Chinese authorities housed the refugees in makeshift camps in Yunnan province, and about 4,000 returned home on Monday. But many thousands remain, and it was not clear whether they intended to stay. Some camped in unfinished buildings, their laundry hanging from the frameless windows.
"Chinese people don't really want to stay over there anymore," said Zhang Suzhen, a Chinese citizen heading back to Kokang to look after her shop. "Some of the people have lost everything they own."
Officials refused to release information about the fate of the remaining refugees or those who returned and ordered foreign journalists to leave the area Tuesday morning.
Despite the apparent cessation of hostilities in Kokang, Myanmar forces were continuing to pour into the northeast in possible preparation for new operations against other ethnic militias, said Aung Din, executive director of the U.S. Campaign for Burma.
Its unclear whether the Kokang clashes would have lasting effects on China's relations with Myanmar.
Though their relationship has largely been built on China's policy of nonintervention in its allies' affairs, Beijing may try to persuade Myanmar to hold its fire to ensure border stability ahead of the Oct. 1 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Communist China, said Lai-Ha Chan, a researcher on China at Australia's University of Technology, Sydney.
Chan said more serious political steps are unlikely, adding, "Myanmar still holds ideological and material value for China."
By NG HAN GUAN, Associated Press Writer – 43 mins ago
MANGSHI, China (AP) – A refugee crisis on China's border with Myanmar eased on Tuesday, with Beijing saying Myanmar's ruling junta had pledged to restore stability to the area where its troops battled ethnic rebels last week.
The fighting in Myanmar's northern Kokang region sent more than 30,000 refugees fleeing to China, several thousand of whom have since returned to their homes. Chinese authorities on Tuesday pulled down some vacated tent camps.
The country's ruling generals thanked China for caring for its citizens during the crisis, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regularly scheduled news conference in Beijing.
"Myanmar also promised to restore peace and stability along the border," Jiang said.
The Southeast Asian nation's border regions have for decades been the scene of fighting between ethnic armies and the ruling military, conflicts that have displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is largely estranged from the West, but China has maintained close economic and diplomatic ties with the junta that ensured Beijing access to
its neighbor's vast mineral wealth. Large numbers of Chinese citizens have migrated to Myanmar for business, and major Chinese state companies are big investors in the Myanmar's oil and gas industries.
The crisis, however, prompted a rare request from Beijing that Myanmar calm the situation.
Last week's fighting broke out after hundreds of Myanmar soldiers moved into Kokang to pressure wary rebels in the traditionally ethnically Chinese region to give up their arms and become border guards. The junta is trying to ensure stability in border regions where several armed ethnic groups operate before next year's national elections, the first in nearly 20 years.
The junta said the three days of fighting killed 26 government soldiers and at least eight rebels, while independent reports said looting was extensive in the region, best known as a haven for drug smuggling and unregulated gambling.
Chinese authorities housed the refugees in makeshift camps in Yunnan province, and about 4,000 returned home on Monday. But many thousands remain, and it was not clear whether they intended to stay. Some camped in unfinished buildings, their laundry hanging from the frameless windows.
"Chinese people don't really want to stay over there anymore," said Zhang Suzhen, a Chinese citizen heading back to Kokang to look after her shop. "Some of the people have lost everything they own."
Officials refused to release information about the fate of the remaining refugees or those who returned and ordered foreign journalists to leave the area Tuesday morning.
Despite the apparent cessation of hostilities in Kokang, Myanmar forces were continuing to pour into the northeast in possible preparation for new operations against other ethnic militias, said Aung Din, executive director of the U.S. Campaign for Burma.
Its unclear whether the Kokang clashes would have lasting effects on China's relations with Myanmar.
Though their relationship has largely been built on China's policy of nonintervention in its allies' affairs, Beijing may try to persuade Myanmar to hold its fire to ensure border stability ahead of the Oct. 1 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Communist China, said Lai-Ha Chan, a researcher on China at Australia's University of Technology, Sydney.
Chan said more serious political steps are unlikely, adding, "Myanmar still holds ideological and material value for China."
***************************************************************
Q+A-Will the conflict in northern Myanmar intensify?
Tue Sep 1, 2009 5:49am EDT
BANGKOK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - An incursion by Myanmar's army into northeastern Shan State has raised fears of more clashes with ethnic minority rebels that could exacerbate a refugee crisis at its border with economic and political ally China.
Some analysts are predicting a protracted conflict will be ignited in the region, which could anger Beijing and derail plans for army-ruled Myanmar's first election in nearly two decades.
WHY HAVE MYANMAR TROOPS BEEN DEPLOYED IN SHAN STATE?
The Myanmar regime wants ethnic minorities to take part in the election and wants to recruit their fighters for an army-run border patrol force. The offensive could be an effort by Yangon to force the groups into submission.
The aim, analysts say, is to disarm and neutralise the insurgents, allowing the army to establish control over the rebellious region for the first time in its nearly five-decade rule.
However, the real target of the military is likely to be the United Wa State Army, a powerful force involved in the illicit drugs trade.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WHO IS INVOLVED?
Myanmar's armed forces entered the Kokang area and last week broke a 20-year ceasefire with rebels in the region when it overwhelmed the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), widely seen as the weakest of the area's factions.
The junta kept silent about the incursion for several days and announced via state media that the clashes occurred after troops were attacked by rebels holding 39 policemen hostage.
A recently formed ethnic minority alliance known as the Myanmar Peace and Democracy Front (MPDF) has called for dialogue and has issued statements to the regime, and to Beijing, urging an end to hostilities.
The alliance groups the MNDAA, the Kachin Independence Organisation and the United Wa State Party, the ethnic Wa armed faction's political wing. The groups are aware that a joint effort is necessary to counter the army.
IS THE SITUATION LIKELY TO ESCALATE?
There are concerns that if the fighting intensifies, other members of the alliance could enter the fray and provide a serious challenge to the Myanmar army, resulting in fighting and heightening the risk of a refugee crisis for China.
The Wa group is a formidable fighting force, with at least 15,000 members, and analysts say any clashes between the Wa and the army would be bloody.
A lot is at stake for all involved, China included, and neither side will want to engage in any kind of protracted conflict. However, any wrong moves by forces on the ground could trigger all-out war.
HOW HAS CHINA REACTED?
Beijing, one of Myanmar's few diplomatic backers, has called on Yangon to maintain stability at the border. It is likely much more is being said behind the scenes. China has long chosen not to comment on Myanmar's internal affairs.
China beefed up its border security and provided support for 37,000 refugees, most of whom are returning to Kokang.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE JUNTA AND ITS ELECTIONS?
The junta wants full control over the region before the elections, even if it has to upset China to achieve this, analysts say.
It wants to bring the groups into the political fold to neutralise them and give the polls legitimacy, but its breach of the ceasefire will complicate matters.
Yangon has yet to announce a date for the election, or say who can take part. The delay is largely a result of its inability to convince, or force, ethnic minority groups to enter into the political process. (For an analysis on Myanmar's elections: [ID:nBKK533340] for scenarios [ID:nBKK400681] and a Q+A: [ID:nBKK532864])
WHAT IS AT STAKE FOR CHINA AND MYANMAR?
Energy-hungry China is building oil and gas pipelines through Myanmar that will supply Yunnan province, relieving pressure on its own oil industry to supply its southwest.
China's overriding concern is a stable Myanmar, and the Yangon regime would be loathe to upset its powerful neighbour because of the economic and diplomatic assistance it provides.
Floods of refugees entering China, shelling over the border and injuries to Chinese civilians are likely to anger Beijing, although not enough for a rare intervention or any move that would damage their close, if increasingly awkward, relationship.
Several Western academics say China will try to use its influence to halt the conflict, but Chinese-based analysts have played down that influence and say Yangon will do what it wants.
Tue Sep 1, 2009 5:49am EDT
BANGKOK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - An incursion by Myanmar's army into northeastern Shan State has raised fears of more clashes with ethnic minority rebels that could exacerbate a refugee crisis at its border with economic and political ally China.
Some analysts are predicting a protracted conflict will be ignited in the region, which could anger Beijing and derail plans for army-ruled Myanmar's first election in nearly two decades.
WHY HAVE MYANMAR TROOPS BEEN DEPLOYED IN SHAN STATE?
The Myanmar regime wants ethnic minorities to take part in the election and wants to recruit their fighters for an army-run border patrol force. The offensive could be an effort by Yangon to force the groups into submission.
The aim, analysts say, is to disarm and neutralise the insurgents, allowing the army to establish control over the rebellious region for the first time in its nearly five-decade rule.
However, the real target of the military is likely to be the United Wa State Army, a powerful force involved in the illicit drugs trade.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WHO IS INVOLVED?
Myanmar's armed forces entered the Kokang area and last week broke a 20-year ceasefire with rebels in the region when it overwhelmed the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), widely seen as the weakest of the area's factions.
The junta kept silent about the incursion for several days and announced via state media that the clashes occurred after troops were attacked by rebels holding 39 policemen hostage.
A recently formed ethnic minority alliance known as the Myanmar Peace and Democracy Front (MPDF) has called for dialogue and has issued statements to the regime, and to Beijing, urging an end to hostilities.
The alliance groups the MNDAA, the Kachin Independence Organisation and the United Wa State Party, the ethnic Wa armed faction's political wing. The groups are aware that a joint effort is necessary to counter the army.
IS THE SITUATION LIKELY TO ESCALATE?
There are concerns that if the fighting intensifies, other members of the alliance could enter the fray and provide a serious challenge to the Myanmar army, resulting in fighting and heightening the risk of a refugee crisis for China.
The Wa group is a formidable fighting force, with at least 15,000 members, and analysts say any clashes between the Wa and the army would be bloody.
A lot is at stake for all involved, China included, and neither side will want to engage in any kind of protracted conflict. However, any wrong moves by forces on the ground could trigger all-out war.
HOW HAS CHINA REACTED?
Beijing, one of Myanmar's few diplomatic backers, has called on Yangon to maintain stability at the border. It is likely much more is being said behind the scenes. China has long chosen not to comment on Myanmar's internal affairs.
China beefed up its border security and provided support for 37,000 refugees, most of whom are returning to Kokang.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE JUNTA AND ITS ELECTIONS?
The junta wants full control over the region before the elections, even if it has to upset China to achieve this, analysts say.
It wants to bring the groups into the political fold to neutralise them and give the polls legitimacy, but its breach of the ceasefire will complicate matters.
Yangon has yet to announce a date for the election, or say who can take part. The delay is largely a result of its inability to convince, or force, ethnic minority groups to enter into the political process. (For an analysis on Myanmar's elections: [ID:nBKK533340] for scenarios [ID:nBKK400681] and a Q+A: [ID:nBKK532864])
WHAT IS AT STAKE FOR CHINA AND MYANMAR?
Energy-hungry China is building oil and gas pipelines through Myanmar that will supply Yunnan province, relieving pressure on its own oil industry to supply its southwest.
China's overriding concern is a stable Myanmar, and the Yangon regime would be loathe to upset its powerful neighbour because of the economic and diplomatic assistance it provides.
Floods of refugees entering China, shelling over the border and injuries to Chinese civilians are likely to anger Beijing, although not enough for a rare intervention or any move that would damage their close, if increasingly awkward, relationship.
Several Western academics say China will try to use its influence to halt the conflict, but Chinese-based analysts have played down that influence and say Yangon will do what it wants.
***************************************************************
Q+A: China's complex relationship with Myanmar
Tue Sep 1, 2009 12:54am EDT
By Ben Blanchard
BEIJING (Reuters) - Refugees who fled to China from clashes in northern Myanmar have begun going back, overcoming worries about safety to return to shops and homes they feared would be looted.
China is one of Myanmar's few diplomatic backers, often coming to the rescue when it is subjected to pressure by Western governments over issues such as the imprisonment of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Here are some questions and answers on China's complex relationship with its troublesome southern neighbor.
WHY IS CHINA UNWILLING TO CRITICIZE MYANMAR?
China has a longstanding policy of non-interference in other countries' affairs, especially over human rights issues, in part because it does not want the United States and Europe criticizing its record.
Beijing's official reaction to the refugee flow was a rather mild call for Myanmar to maintain stability in the border region and to protect the rights of Chinese citizens in Myanmar.
China's overriding concern is a stable Myanmar, which gives it access to the Indian Ocean as well as natural resources.
Any action that might place unbearable pressure on the generals and force a government collapse would destabilize the border and possibly cut off trade flows. Ethnic minorities in Myanmar, which have in some cases waged long-running insurgencies and set up de facto states along the Chinese border, would likely increase drugs and arms trafficking.
Drugs and HIV/AIDS already pour across the border into the southwestern province of Yunnan and China is desperate to control that flow.
China also argues that Myanmar is no threat to international peace and warrants no U.N. Security Council involvement, unlike North Korea and its nuclear program.
WHAT ABOUT CHINA'S ENERGY AND ECONOMIC TIES WITH MYANMAR?
Energy-hungry China is keen to import gas from Myanmar.
Last month, a consortium led by South Korea's Daewoo International unveiled a plan to invest about $5.6 billion to develop Myanmar gas fields as part of a 30-year natural gas supply deal with China.
China will also soon start building an oil pipeline through Myanmar to enable it to facilitate crude imports from the Middle East and Africa.
The link would allow Chinese oil tankers to avoid a 1,200 km (750-mile) detour through the congested and strategically vulnerable Malacca Strait.
Overall, China has invested more than $1 billion in Myanmar, primarily in the mining sector, and is the country's fourth largest foreign investor, state media say. Bilateral trade grew more than one-quarter last year to about $2.63 billion. Chinese firms are also heavily involved in logging in Myanmar.
WHAT ARE CHINA'S BROADER STRATEGIC GOALS?
China has long worried about hostile neighbors, including India, or Japan and South Korea with their U.S. military bases. Having a friendly government in Myanmar is therefore important.
Myanmar gives China important access to the Indian Ocean, not only for exports from landlocked southwestern Chinese provinces, but also potentially for military bases or listening posts.
There is no guarantee a democratically elected civilian government in Myanmar would be keen for close ties with China. China, with its own history of suppressing home-grown demands for democracy, is hardly going to push Myanmar to grant the kinds of freedoms it regularly denies its own citizens.
The sanctions already imposed on Myanmar by the United States and European Union have in any case had little effect. The government also defied expectations it would implode during violent pro-democracy protests two years ago.
ARE THERE SIGNS CHINA'S PATIENCE IS WEARING THIN?
Very small ones. At a May meeting in Hanoi, Asian and European foreign ministers urged Myanmar to free detainees and lift political restrictions in a statement unexpectedly signed by China.
In 2007, China's Foreign Ministry published an unflattering account of Myanmar's new jungle capital Naypyidaw, expressing surprise that the poor country would consider such an expensive move without even telling its supposed friend, Beijing.
Tue Sep 1, 2009 12:54am EDT
By Ben Blanchard
BEIJING (Reuters) - Refugees who fled to China from clashes in northern Myanmar have begun going back, overcoming worries about safety to return to shops and homes they feared would be looted.
China is one of Myanmar's few diplomatic backers, often coming to the rescue when it is subjected to pressure by Western governments over issues such as the imprisonment of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Here are some questions and answers on China's complex relationship with its troublesome southern neighbor.
WHY IS CHINA UNWILLING TO CRITICIZE MYANMAR?
China has a longstanding policy of non-interference in other countries' affairs, especially over human rights issues, in part because it does not want the United States and Europe criticizing its record.
Beijing's official reaction to the refugee flow was a rather mild call for Myanmar to maintain stability in the border region and to protect the rights of Chinese citizens in Myanmar.
China's overriding concern is a stable Myanmar, which gives it access to the Indian Ocean as well as natural resources.
Any action that might place unbearable pressure on the generals and force a government collapse would destabilize the border and possibly cut off trade flows. Ethnic minorities in Myanmar, which have in some cases waged long-running insurgencies and set up de facto states along the Chinese border, would likely increase drugs and arms trafficking.
Drugs and HIV/AIDS already pour across the border into the southwestern province of Yunnan and China is desperate to control that flow.
China also argues that Myanmar is no threat to international peace and warrants no U.N. Security Council involvement, unlike North Korea and its nuclear program.
WHAT ABOUT CHINA'S ENERGY AND ECONOMIC TIES WITH MYANMAR?
Energy-hungry China is keen to import gas from Myanmar.
Last month, a consortium led by South Korea's Daewoo International unveiled a plan to invest about $5.6 billion to develop Myanmar gas fields as part of a 30-year natural gas supply deal with China.
China will also soon start building an oil pipeline through Myanmar to enable it to facilitate crude imports from the Middle East and Africa.
The link would allow Chinese oil tankers to avoid a 1,200 km (750-mile) detour through the congested and strategically vulnerable Malacca Strait.
Overall, China has invested more than $1 billion in Myanmar, primarily in the mining sector, and is the country's fourth largest foreign investor, state media say. Bilateral trade grew more than one-quarter last year to about $2.63 billion. Chinese firms are also heavily involved in logging in Myanmar.
WHAT ARE CHINA'S BROADER STRATEGIC GOALS?
China has long worried about hostile neighbors, including India, or Japan and South Korea with their U.S. military bases. Having a friendly government in Myanmar is therefore important.
Myanmar gives China important access to the Indian Ocean, not only for exports from landlocked southwestern Chinese provinces, but also potentially for military bases or listening posts.
There is no guarantee a democratically elected civilian government in Myanmar would be keen for close ties with China. China, with its own history of suppressing home-grown demands for democracy, is hardly going to push Myanmar to grant the kinds of freedoms it regularly denies its own citizens.
The sanctions already imposed on Myanmar by the United States and European Union have in any case had little effect. The government also defied expectations it would implode during violent pro-democracy protests two years ago.
ARE THERE SIGNS CHINA'S PATIENCE IS WEARING THIN?
Very small ones. At a May meeting in Hanoi, Asian and European foreign ministers urged Myanmar to free detainees and lift political restrictions in a statement unexpectedly signed by China.
In 2007, China's Foreign Ministry published an unflattering account of Myanmar's new jungle capital Naypyidaw, expressing surprise that the poor country would consider such an expensive move without even telling its supposed friend, Beijing.
***************************************************************
China tents dismantled as refugees return to Myanmar
By Royston Chan – Tue Sep 1, 3:42 am ET
NANSAN, China (Reuters) – China dismantled temporary housing for refugees from Myanmar on Tuesday as most headed back to homes and looted shops across the border in Kokang, where the Myanmar army fought an armed militia last week.
About two-thirds of the refugees who had fled to the Chinese border town of Nansan had left by Tuesday, with the remainder packing and chatting while rows of blue tents were dismantled. Buses had ferried many of them to the nearby border on Monday.
China had never officially declared the Myanmar and Chinese citizens fleeing the ethnic Chinese enclave of Kokang as refugees, but had provided food, water and temporary housing to about 37,000 people.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu reiterated an earlier call for Myanmar to restore stability and protect Chinese nationals, but did not answer a question on how long remaining refugees would be allowed to stay.
"Maintaining stability is in both sides' interest and is the responsibility of both sides," she told a regular news briefing in Beijing.
U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said Washington was deeply concerned by the unrest.
"We urge the Burmese authorities to cease their military campaign and develop a genuine dialogue with the ethnic minority groups as well as with Burma's democratic opposition," he said.
The fighting broke out when Myanmar deployed troops to disarm ethnic insurgents. Analysts say the aim was to neutralize the threat the militias posed an election next year, the first to be held by the junta that rules the former Burma in two decades.
Many of the refugees have turned to relatives on the Chinese side of the border, while others who were returning indicated they might be back should violence flare again.
"We are afraid of the Myanmar military. I am not sure whether they will try to rule over us," said Yuan Zhishao, 41, a Myanmar citizen. "They do not know how to speak Mandarin, so we can't communicate with them. Many people share my concerns."
BORDER PATROL
By Monday, Myanmar troops had won control of Kokang, where they allied with a splinter group against the local ruling militia. Activists and observers say the junta sent in soldiers to forcibly recruit rebel fighters for an army-run border patrol force ahead of the election.
Websites affiliated with exiled ethnic groups from Myanmar indicated on Tuesday that neighboring armed border groups were on alert and anxious to avoid a repeat of the quick victory of the Myanmar army in Kokang.
The Shan Herald reported that fighters of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, which had ruled Kokang since a 1989 ceasefire, crossed into China and were disarmed by Chinese troops.
Its account follows a report by a Chinese newspaper, the Global Times, that Chinese border troops had disarmed and detained an unidentified group from Myanmar as they tried to cross the border this weekend.
Despite the apparent end to fighting, many refugees remained pessimistic about what they would find upon their return.
"My friends say there are still not many people in there and most of the shops have been ransacked, although some have been spared," said Peng Zhiqiang, 38, a Chinese businessman from Hunan, who started a clothing store in Myanmar a year ago.
"All my things are gone, so there's no point in me staying there any more. It is also not safe. Everything is gone, so I will wrap up my business there."
Chinese border guards prevented some Chinese citizens from crossing into Myanmar on Tuesday, while allowing Myanmar citizens to return with their plastic bags of belongings.
By Royston Chan – Tue Sep 1, 3:42 am ET
NANSAN, China (Reuters) – China dismantled temporary housing for refugees from Myanmar on Tuesday as most headed back to homes and looted shops across the border in Kokang, where the Myanmar army fought an armed militia last week.
About two-thirds of the refugees who had fled to the Chinese border town of Nansan had left by Tuesday, with the remainder packing and chatting while rows of blue tents were dismantled. Buses had ferried many of them to the nearby border on Monday.
China had never officially declared the Myanmar and Chinese citizens fleeing the ethnic Chinese enclave of Kokang as refugees, but had provided food, water and temporary housing to about 37,000 people.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu reiterated an earlier call for Myanmar to restore stability and protect Chinese nationals, but did not answer a question on how long remaining refugees would be allowed to stay.
"Maintaining stability is in both sides' interest and is the responsibility of both sides," she told a regular news briefing in Beijing.
U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said Washington was deeply concerned by the unrest.
"We urge the Burmese authorities to cease their military campaign and develop a genuine dialogue with the ethnic minority groups as well as with Burma's democratic opposition," he said.
The fighting broke out when Myanmar deployed troops to disarm ethnic insurgents. Analysts say the aim was to neutralize the threat the militias posed an election next year, the first to be held by the junta that rules the former Burma in two decades.
Many of the refugees have turned to relatives on the Chinese side of the border, while others who were returning indicated they might be back should violence flare again.
"We are afraid of the Myanmar military. I am not sure whether they will try to rule over us," said Yuan Zhishao, 41, a Myanmar citizen. "They do not know how to speak Mandarin, so we can't communicate with them. Many people share my concerns."
BORDER PATROL
By Monday, Myanmar troops had won control of Kokang, where they allied with a splinter group against the local ruling militia. Activists and observers say the junta sent in soldiers to forcibly recruit rebel fighters for an army-run border patrol force ahead of the election.
Websites affiliated with exiled ethnic groups from Myanmar indicated on Tuesday that neighboring armed border groups were on alert and anxious to avoid a repeat of the quick victory of the Myanmar army in Kokang.
The Shan Herald reported that fighters of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, which had ruled Kokang since a 1989 ceasefire, crossed into China and were disarmed by Chinese troops.
Its account follows a report by a Chinese newspaper, the Global Times, that Chinese border troops had disarmed and detained an unidentified group from Myanmar as they tried to cross the border this weekend.
Despite the apparent end to fighting, many refugees remained pessimistic about what they would find upon their return.
"My friends say there are still not many people in there and most of the shops have been ransacked, although some have been spared," said Peng Zhiqiang, 38, a Chinese businessman from Hunan, who started a clothing store in Myanmar a year ago.
"All my things are gone, so there's no point in me staying there any more. It is also not safe. Everything is gone, so I will wrap up my business there."
Chinese border guards prevented some Chinese citizens from crossing into Myanmar on Tuesday, while allowing Myanmar citizens to return with their plastic bags of belongings.
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US pressures Myanmar as nervous refugees head home
by Robert J. Saiget – Mon Aug 31, 6:39 pm ET
NANSAN, China (AFP) – The United States on Monday urged Myanmar to cease attacks on ethnic groups as refugees who fled into China after deadly clashes between junta forces and ethnic rebels nervously headed home.
Washington stepped in, piling pressure on Myanmar, after thousands of people poured into China fleeing fighting in the country's remote north west in recent weeks and Beijing complained of attacks on Chinese-owned businesses.
"We urge the Burmese authorities to cease their military campaign and to develop a genuine dialogue with the ethnic minority groups, as well as with Burma's democratic opposition," US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.
"The brutal fighting has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes for safety in Thailand and China, and has reduced both stability and the prospects for national reconciliation in Burma," he said. Washington was working on a "Burma strategy," he added.
Officials in China's southwestern Yunnan province have said 37,000 refugees streamed into their country after days of fighting in Kokang, a mainly ethnic Chinese region of Myanmar's Shan state.
Eight rebel fighters and 26 security forces were killed in clashes, Myanmar state media said on Sunday, adding the unrest had ended. Two Chinese nationals were also killed, Chinese officials said.
As the fighting has subsided, refugees in the Chinese border town of Nansan crossed back into Myanmar on Monday in groups of about 40, AFP reporters witnessed.
"The Myanmar government has told us through diplomatic channels to send them back," Yunnan provincial government spokesman Li Hui told reporters.
"Those who want to go back can return. We are finding that most of these people want to go back," he added.
"The Myanmar government is saying that it is calm over there. From what we see, we don't think that there is any armed fighting."
But refugees interviewed by AFP in Nansan said they were not convinced by the junta's claims that calm had returned to Kokang, a town of about 150,000.
"They were shooting ordinary people. I saw it myself. We don't believe what they say. We're afraid to go back," said 24-year-old farmer Li Jun.
"They say they will not shoot again but they will shoot."
Rows of blue tents have been set up in Nansan, nestled in rugged and lush mountains, for the refugees. China has provided food and medical care, while warning Myanmar to resolve the conflict quickly.
Li, the provincial government spokesman, said 13,000 refugees were staying in camps, while 10,000-20,000 more were believed to be living with friends and relatives.
A Chinese clothing shop owner, who gave only his surname Chen, said he had left Kokang with his wife amid the fighting.
"We have heard that our stores were being looted and that they are attacking the Chinese stores. We don't know what happened to our store," he told AFP.
His wife added: "We are afraid to go back."
A reporter for the Global Times, an English-language state daily in China, who crossed the border into Kokang at the weekend also reported Chinese-owned restaurants and stores had been looted.
"The Myanmar government has committed to protect the safety and property of Chinese citizens," the Yunnan government spokesman said, adding that Beijing had "expressed concern" on the issue.
China is one of the few allies of Myanmar's isolated junta, which is under US and EU sanctions. Beijing provides the ruling generals with military hardware and is a major consumer of the country's vast natural resources.
Few details have emerged about the clashes, which violated a 20-year ceasefire and prompted fears of all-out civil war. Fighting first erupted after police on August 8 raided an illegal weapons factory.
The Kokang forces -- known as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army -- agreed to a ceasefire with the government in 1989 after fighting for autonomy in the region.
But the group split after recent pressure from the junta, which ordered the ethnic army to come under its command as "border guard forces". One faction agreed to do so while the other, led by Peng Jiasheng, refused.
Peng said in an interview at the weekend with the Global Times that he had not surrendered, and regretted signing a peace deal with the junta.
"The central government has broken its promises," Peng told the newspaper.
Yao Fu, a 46-year-old doctor who opened a hospital in Kokang about 10 years ago, described the situation in the town last week as "very desperate."
"The Burma army had come in and started to fire on rebels... The Burmese military also was attacking Chinese businesses," Yao said.
by Robert J. Saiget – Mon Aug 31, 6:39 pm ET
NANSAN, China (AFP) – The United States on Monday urged Myanmar to cease attacks on ethnic groups as refugees who fled into China after deadly clashes between junta forces and ethnic rebels nervously headed home.
Washington stepped in, piling pressure on Myanmar, after thousands of people poured into China fleeing fighting in the country's remote north west in recent weeks and Beijing complained of attacks on Chinese-owned businesses.
"We urge the Burmese authorities to cease their military campaign and to develop a genuine dialogue with the ethnic minority groups, as well as with Burma's democratic opposition," US State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.
"The brutal fighting has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes for safety in Thailand and China, and has reduced both stability and the prospects for national reconciliation in Burma," he said. Washington was working on a "Burma strategy," he added.
Officials in China's southwestern Yunnan province have said 37,000 refugees streamed into their country after days of fighting in Kokang, a mainly ethnic Chinese region of Myanmar's Shan state.
Eight rebel fighters and 26 security forces were killed in clashes, Myanmar state media said on Sunday, adding the unrest had ended. Two Chinese nationals were also killed, Chinese officials said.
As the fighting has subsided, refugees in the Chinese border town of Nansan crossed back into Myanmar on Monday in groups of about 40, AFP reporters witnessed.
"The Myanmar government has told us through diplomatic channels to send them back," Yunnan provincial government spokesman Li Hui told reporters.
"Those who want to go back can return. We are finding that most of these people want to go back," he added.
"The Myanmar government is saying that it is calm over there. From what we see, we don't think that there is any armed fighting."
But refugees interviewed by AFP in Nansan said they were not convinced by the junta's claims that calm had returned to Kokang, a town of about 150,000.
"They were shooting ordinary people. I saw it myself. We don't believe what they say. We're afraid to go back," said 24-year-old farmer Li Jun.
"They say they will not shoot again but they will shoot."
Rows of blue tents have been set up in Nansan, nestled in rugged and lush mountains, for the refugees. China has provided food and medical care, while warning Myanmar to resolve the conflict quickly.
Li, the provincial government spokesman, said 13,000 refugees were staying in camps, while 10,000-20,000 more were believed to be living with friends and relatives.
A Chinese clothing shop owner, who gave only his surname Chen, said he had left Kokang with his wife amid the fighting.
"We have heard that our stores were being looted and that they are attacking the Chinese stores. We don't know what happened to our store," he told AFP.
His wife added: "We are afraid to go back."
A reporter for the Global Times, an English-language state daily in China, who crossed the border into Kokang at the weekend also reported Chinese-owned restaurants and stores had been looted.
"The Myanmar government has committed to protect the safety and property of Chinese citizens," the Yunnan government spokesman said, adding that Beijing had "expressed concern" on the issue.
China is one of the few allies of Myanmar's isolated junta, which is under US and EU sanctions. Beijing provides the ruling generals with military hardware and is a major consumer of the country's vast natural resources.
Few details have emerged about the clashes, which violated a 20-year ceasefire and prompted fears of all-out civil war. Fighting first erupted after police on August 8 raided an illegal weapons factory.
The Kokang forces -- known as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army -- agreed to a ceasefire with the government in 1989 after fighting for autonomy in the region.
But the group split after recent pressure from the junta, which ordered the ethnic army to come under its command as "border guard forces". One faction agreed to do so while the other, led by Peng Jiasheng, refused.
Peng said in an interview at the weekend with the Global Times that he had not surrendered, and regretted signing a peace deal with the junta.
"The central government has broken its promises," Peng told the newspaper.
Yao Fu, a 46-year-old doctor who opened a hospital in Kokang about 10 years ago, described the situation in the town last week as "very desperate."
"The Burma army had come in and started to fire on rebels... The Burmese military also was attacking Chinese businesses," Yao said.
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US urges Myanmar to halt ethnic attacks
Mon Aug 31, 5:32 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States on Monday urged the military junta in Myanmar to halt attacks on ethnic minorities, saying it was "deeply concerned" about the fighting.
The plea follows deadly clashes in a largely ethnic Chinese region of Myanmar as well as the junta's offensive in June against ethnic Karen rebels near the Thai border.
"We urge the Burmese authorities to cease their military campaign and to develop a genuine dialogue with the ethnic minority groups, as well as with Burma's democratic opposition," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.
The junta-run television in Myanmar, earlier known as Burma, said Sunday that 26 state security personnel and eight ethnic rebel fighters had been killed in three days of clashes near the Chinese border.
Officials in China's southwestern Yunnan province said 37,000 refugees had streamed into the country from Myanmar following days of fighting in Kokang, a mainly ethnic Chinese region of Myanmar's Shan state.
Refugees headed back across the border with China on Monday, but some said they feared a fresh outbreak of violence.
A renewed crackdown by government forces in early June caused 4,000 of the mainly Christian Karen to flee to neighboring Thailand, the largest group of refugees to cross in more than a decade, aid groups say.
Kelly said "the brutal fighting has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes for safety in Thailand and China, and has reduced both stability and the prospects for national reconciliation in Burma."
The fighting comes as President Barack Obama's administration nears completion of its review on policy toward Myanmar which has been under both US and European Union sanctions.
Kelly said "that we will have a final review and approval of a Burma strategy" within the next couple of weeks.
Jeremy Woodrum, director of the US Campaign for Burma, a Washington-based advocacy group opposed to the junta, welcomed the US statement.
"It's important for the United States to speak out, and also important to take concrete action because the situation is only getting worse," Woodrum told AFP in an email exchange.
"We hope the United States joins the United Kingdom's and France's call for a global arms embargo on Burma's military regime, as well as a UN Security Council investigation into crimes against humanity in Burma," he added.
Kelly gave no sense of the policy Washington might pursue and declined to answer questions about Washington's stand on sanctions.
The Obama team has been skeptical about sanctions as a diplomatic tool and supports engagement with US foes.
The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on Myanmar due to its refusal to recognize the last elections in 1990 and prolonged detention of the victor, democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.
Mon Aug 31, 5:32 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States on Monday urged the military junta in Myanmar to halt attacks on ethnic minorities, saying it was "deeply concerned" about the fighting.
The plea follows deadly clashes in a largely ethnic Chinese region of Myanmar as well as the junta's offensive in June against ethnic Karen rebels near the Thai border.
"We urge the Burmese authorities to cease their military campaign and to develop a genuine dialogue with the ethnic minority groups, as well as with Burma's democratic opposition," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.
The junta-run television in Myanmar, earlier known as Burma, said Sunday that 26 state security personnel and eight ethnic rebel fighters had been killed in three days of clashes near the Chinese border.
Officials in China's southwestern Yunnan province said 37,000 refugees had streamed into the country from Myanmar following days of fighting in Kokang, a mainly ethnic Chinese region of Myanmar's Shan state.
Refugees headed back across the border with China on Monday, but some said they feared a fresh outbreak of violence.
A renewed crackdown by government forces in early June caused 4,000 of the mainly Christian Karen to flee to neighboring Thailand, the largest group of refugees to cross in more than a decade, aid groups say.
Kelly said "the brutal fighting has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes for safety in Thailand and China, and has reduced both stability and the prospects for national reconciliation in Burma."
The fighting comes as President Barack Obama's administration nears completion of its review on policy toward Myanmar which has been under both US and European Union sanctions.
Kelly said "that we will have a final review and approval of a Burma strategy" within the next couple of weeks.
Jeremy Woodrum, director of the US Campaign for Burma, a Washington-based advocacy group opposed to the junta, welcomed the US statement.
"It's important for the United States to speak out, and also important to take concrete action because the situation is only getting worse," Woodrum told AFP in an email exchange.
"We hope the United States joins the United Kingdom's and France's call for a global arms embargo on Burma's military regime, as well as a UN Security Council investigation into crimes against humanity in Burma," he added.
Kelly gave no sense of the policy Washington might pursue and declined to answer questions about Washington's stand on sanctions.
The Obama team has been skeptical about sanctions as a diplomatic tool and supports engagement with US foes.
The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on Myanmar due to its refusal to recognize the last elections in 1990 and prolonged detention of the victor, democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.
***************************************************************
The Australian - Burma death toll reaches 500
LATEST: Michael Sainsbury, Nansan, China | September 02, 2009
OVER 500 people may have been killed in the first flair up of violence between the Burma¿s ruling military junta and the Kokang ethnic minority - hundreds more than official estimates - with Chinese people who fled last week unable to adopted country facing the loss of their livlihooods as attacks against Chinese people rise.
The situation in the Burmese northern Shan state remains incredibly volatile with thousands of Burmese troops streaming into the area with large numbers stationed at the border of Wa territory, the region’s best armed minority which boasts as many as 30,000 armed troops and who are regularly named as the area’s biggest drug producers.
The Burmese are focusing a possible attack on the United Wa Army on the town on Mending which has a population of about 10,000 and is only 30 minutes drive from the Chinese border town of Qingshiu tjhat serves as the primary crossing point for the Wa.
While Burma has officially said that 36 of their soldiers were killed with one Chinese casualty after stray arms fire cross the border the fatalities list is more than ten times higher with 500 Kokang soldiers and civilians killed, according to sources in the ethnic army who spoke to The Australian via mobile phone from inside Burma. Amongst these are believed to be a number of Chinese nationals living in Burma
Citizens of China who remain stranded in the remote border town of Nansan in Yunnan province, have called on the Chinese government for humanitarian aid and for the international community to step in.
Attacks on the Chinese inside Burma during the conflict and raiding their property in the aftermath by soldiers represented an escalation of long standing prejudice in Burma from the country’s ruling ethnic Burmese against people from the region’s re-emergent super power.
The majority of Burmese nationals, including the largely ethnic Chinese Kokang, has returned to the country but thousands of Chinese have been left stranded in China. Business people have long been resented in Burma – as in other south east countries - for controlling much of the small to medium business sector as well, in Burma’s case, as a raft of banks.
The booming amount of Chinese investment which has seen billions of dollars for infrastrcutrure and resources tipped into the country over the past decade has only re-inforced the viewsa of ordinary people in Burma including regular soldiers.
Long Lianxiao, a 30 year-old business women from Hunan province who runs a garment shop with her younger sister in Kokang, fled the battle fires across the border with one suitcase and and one cook.
LATEST: Michael Sainsbury, Nansan, China | September 02, 2009
OVER 500 people may have been killed in the first flair up of violence between the Burma¿s ruling military junta and the Kokang ethnic minority - hundreds more than official estimates - with Chinese people who fled last week unable to adopted country facing the loss of their livlihooods as attacks against Chinese people rise.
The situation in the Burmese northern Shan state remains incredibly volatile with thousands of Burmese troops streaming into the area with large numbers stationed at the border of Wa territory, the region’s best armed minority which boasts as many as 30,000 armed troops and who are regularly named as the area’s biggest drug producers.
The Burmese are focusing a possible attack on the United Wa Army on the town on Mending which has a population of about 10,000 and is only 30 minutes drive from the Chinese border town of Qingshiu tjhat serves as the primary crossing point for the Wa.
While Burma has officially said that 36 of their soldiers were killed with one Chinese casualty after stray arms fire cross the border the fatalities list is more than ten times higher with 500 Kokang soldiers and civilians killed, according to sources in the ethnic army who spoke to The Australian via mobile phone from inside Burma. Amongst these are believed to be a number of Chinese nationals living in Burma
Citizens of China who remain stranded in the remote border town of Nansan in Yunnan province, have called on the Chinese government for humanitarian aid and for the international community to step in.
Attacks on the Chinese inside Burma during the conflict and raiding their property in the aftermath by soldiers represented an escalation of long standing prejudice in Burma from the country’s ruling ethnic Burmese against people from the region’s re-emergent super power.
The majority of Burmese nationals, including the largely ethnic Chinese Kokang, has returned to the country but thousands of Chinese have been left stranded in China. Business people have long been resented in Burma – as in other south east countries - for controlling much of the small to medium business sector as well, in Burma’s case, as a raft of banks.
The booming amount of Chinese investment which has seen billions of dollars for infrastrcutrure and resources tipped into the country over the past decade has only re-inforced the viewsa of ordinary people in Burma including regular soldiers.
Long Lianxiao, a 30 year-old business women from Hunan province who runs a garment shop with her younger sister in Kokang, fled the battle fires across the border with one suitcase and and one cook.
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International Herald Tribune - China Silent on Burmese Refugees
By MICHAEL WINES
Published: September 1, 2009
BEIJING — Chinese officials imposed an information blackout on Tuesday on the situation along its border with Myanmar and began taking down tents that had sheltered the people — the number has been estimated at up to 30,000 — who fled into China to escape recent fighting between Myanmar’s military and ethnic rebels.
But news reports stated that many thousands of refugees remained in China, unwilling or unable to return to Myanmar, formerly called Burma, and it was not clear how the Chinese government intended to address their plight.
The Chinese authorities withheld comment on the border situation Tuesday, aside from saying, in a Foreign Ministry briefing, that “necessary humanitarian assistance” was being provided. And they began ordering foreign journalists to leave the area around Nansan and Genma, Chinese towns on the mountainous border where the refugees have been housed in seven separate camps.
While about 4,000 refugees had returned to Myanmar on Monday, the day after the fighting ended, the pace has since slowed dramatically. Only about 30 people crossed the border into Myanmar in a half-hour period on Tuesday morning, The Associated Press reported.
“It seems to be slowing down,” one foreigner near Nansan said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. “There’s still a large number of refugees in and around Nansan, both in the camps and hanging around.” The foreigner, who asked not to be identified, said Chinese Army troops had stepped up patrols in the area.
An unknown number of those who fled to China during the fighting are Chinese citizens who have been conducting business in Myanmar, where China is building dams and other projects and has extensive mining ventures. They are unlikely to return soon.
China has insisted that northern Myanmar’s Kokang region is safe and stable after the fighting last week, in which hundreds of government troops overwhelmed an armed ethnic group, breaking a cease-fire that had prevailed for two decades. Human rights groups and others have warned that the junta’s actions could ignite a wider conflict in the area, where other, better armed ethnic groups also are resisting government control.
Both Thai newspapers and The Irrawaddy, an independent magazine that focuses on Myanmar, have reported that the government is sending fresh troops into the northern state of Shan in an attempt to consolidate its control there. The army wants the rebels to disarm and join a government border patrol force, as required under a new constitution. Most of the rebels have resisted the order, which would effectively place them under government control.
Myanmar’s military junta apparently seeks to take control of the region before elections, the first in almost 20 years, that are scheduled for next year. Outside monitors accuse the military junta of brutal human rights violations as part of its effort to stay in power. The Myanmar government has said that 26 of its soldiers and at least 8 rebels died in three days of battles.
The Myanmar conflict has thrust the Chinese government, one of the government’s only staunch backers, into an awkward situation. China has provided diplomatic support to the junta in exchange for access to its considerable mineral wealth and cooperation in efforts to suppress a growing cross-border trade in heroin and other illicit drugs. The flood of refugees prompted the Chinese to issue muted criticism of the junta, calling on Friday for it to secure Myanmar’s borders.
By MICHAEL WINES
Published: September 1, 2009
BEIJING — Chinese officials imposed an information blackout on Tuesday on the situation along its border with Myanmar and began taking down tents that had sheltered the people — the number has been estimated at up to 30,000 — who fled into China to escape recent fighting between Myanmar’s military and ethnic rebels.
But news reports stated that many thousands of refugees remained in China, unwilling or unable to return to Myanmar, formerly called Burma, and it was not clear how the Chinese government intended to address their plight.
The Chinese authorities withheld comment on the border situation Tuesday, aside from saying, in a Foreign Ministry briefing, that “necessary humanitarian assistance” was being provided. And they began ordering foreign journalists to leave the area around Nansan and Genma, Chinese towns on the mountainous border where the refugees have been housed in seven separate camps.
While about 4,000 refugees had returned to Myanmar on Monday, the day after the fighting ended, the pace has since slowed dramatically. Only about 30 people crossed the border into Myanmar in a half-hour period on Tuesday morning, The Associated Press reported.
“It seems to be slowing down,” one foreigner near Nansan said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. “There’s still a large number of refugees in and around Nansan, both in the camps and hanging around.” The foreigner, who asked not to be identified, said Chinese Army troops had stepped up patrols in the area.
An unknown number of those who fled to China during the fighting are Chinese citizens who have been conducting business in Myanmar, where China is building dams and other projects and has extensive mining ventures. They are unlikely to return soon.
China has insisted that northern Myanmar’s Kokang region is safe and stable after the fighting last week, in which hundreds of government troops overwhelmed an armed ethnic group, breaking a cease-fire that had prevailed for two decades. Human rights groups and others have warned that the junta’s actions could ignite a wider conflict in the area, where other, better armed ethnic groups also are resisting government control.
Both Thai newspapers and The Irrawaddy, an independent magazine that focuses on Myanmar, have reported that the government is sending fresh troops into the northern state of Shan in an attempt to consolidate its control there. The army wants the rebels to disarm and join a government border patrol force, as required under a new constitution. Most of the rebels have resisted the order, which would effectively place them under government control.
Myanmar’s military junta apparently seeks to take control of the region before elections, the first in almost 20 years, that are scheduled for next year. Outside monitors accuse the military junta of brutal human rights violations as part of its effort to stay in power. The Myanmar government has said that 26 of its soldiers and at least 8 rebels died in three days of battles.
The Myanmar conflict has thrust the Chinese government, one of the government’s only staunch backers, into an awkward situation. China has provided diplomatic support to the junta in exchange for access to its considerable mineral wealth and cooperation in efforts to suppress a growing cross-border trade in heroin and other illicit drugs. The flood of refugees prompted the Chinese to issue muted criticism of the junta, calling on Friday for it to secure Myanmar’s borders.
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MYANMAR: UN seeks access to Burmese refugees in southern China
BANGKOK, 1 September 2009 (IRIN) - The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is seeking access to thousands of Burmese refugees who have fled fighting between Myanmar government troops and ethnic minority groups, saying their needs should be assessed.
“We are working together with the Chinese authorities to try to get access to the area,” said Kitty McKinsey, regional spokeswoman for UNHCR.
“While we believe their material needs are being taken care of, we haven’t been able to assess what their needs for international protection are,” she told IRIN in Bangkok on 1 September.
Thousands of ethnic Chinese refugees from Myanmar’s northeastern Shan state have streamed into China’s southern Yunnan province in recent weeks to escape the fighting, which started after the Myanmar army moved into Kokang, a region bordering Yunnan.
Citing Chinese government figures, McKinsey said 37,000 Burmese had crossed the border into Yunnan province. Of these, 13,000 are staying in tents provided by the provincial authorities, while the rest are being accommodated by friends and relatives.
“The Yunnan provincial authorities are giving medical care, shelters, tents and clothing,” said McKinsey.
China is one of the few countries in Asia that has signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, which McKinsey said obliged the country to allow the UN Refugee Agency to assess first-hand the needs of the refugees.
BANGKOK, 1 September 2009 (IRIN) - The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is seeking access to thousands of Burmese refugees who have fled fighting between Myanmar government troops and ethnic minority groups, saying their needs should be assessed.
“We are working together with the Chinese authorities to try to get access to the area,” said Kitty McKinsey, regional spokeswoman for UNHCR.
“While we believe their material needs are being taken care of, we haven’t been able to assess what their needs for international protection are,” she told IRIN in Bangkok on 1 September.
Thousands of ethnic Chinese refugees from Myanmar’s northeastern Shan state have streamed into China’s southern Yunnan province in recent weeks to escape the fighting, which started after the Myanmar army moved into Kokang, a region bordering Yunnan.
Citing Chinese government figures, McKinsey said 37,000 Burmese had crossed the border into Yunnan province. Of these, 13,000 are staying in tents provided by the provincial authorities, while the rest are being accommodated by friends and relatives.
“The Yunnan provincial authorities are giving medical care, shelters, tents and clothing,” said McKinsey.
China is one of the few countries in Asia that has signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, which McKinsey said obliged the country to allow the UN Refugee Agency to assess first-hand the needs of the refugees.
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San Francisco Chronicle - UN, West pressure Myanmar for change from within
By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer
Monday, August 31, 2009
(08-31) 12:58 PDT UNITED NATIONS, (AP) -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday that elections in Myanmar must be free and fair, amid mounting concerns that they won't be.
"We need to work more for the democratization of Myanmar," Ban told a press conference in Oslo, Norway, with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. "This election in 2010 must be a fair and credible and inclusive one."
Ban said he was working hard to keep the pressure on General Than Shwe and other of Myanmar's leaders to live up to their commitments to hold legitimate elections in 2010. At a minimum, the U.N. wants Suu Kyi and 2,000 other political prisoners released. A transcript of Ban's remarks were made available at the U.N. in New York.
Than Shwe has resisted U.N. demands to open up democratically, ignoring four Security Council statements and direct entreaties by Ban and a top envoy. Suu Kyi has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years since her pro-democracy party won in the polls but was denied power.
Myanmar's government has given no indication it will release her or the 200 political prisoners that Ibrahim Gambari, Ban's top envoy, told The Associated Press he expected would be freed after Ban's most recent trip.
Western and U.N. diplomats increasingly view Myanmar as intent on holding staged elections to enshrine its military dictatorship next year, with few other than the government or neighboring China able to steer an alternate course.
"It's the Burmese leadership that have to take the decision to move forward, rather than to keep their country held back in a state of lack of freedom, military regime and an environment in which there's going to be very little international investment," British Ambassador John Sawers said in an AP interview.
China and Russia, two of Myanmar's main weapons suppliers and trading partners, oppose the idea of a U.N.-backed international arms embargo, and they also blocked the council from making anything more than a tepid protest of Suu Kyi's return to house arrest on Aug. 11.
By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer
Monday, August 31, 2009
(08-31) 12:58 PDT UNITED NATIONS, (AP) -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday that elections in Myanmar must be free and fair, amid mounting concerns that they won't be.
"We need to work more for the democratization of Myanmar," Ban told a press conference in Oslo, Norway, with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. "This election in 2010 must be a fair and credible and inclusive one."
Ban said he was working hard to keep the pressure on General Than Shwe and other of Myanmar's leaders to live up to their commitments to hold legitimate elections in 2010. At a minimum, the U.N. wants Suu Kyi and 2,000 other political prisoners released. A transcript of Ban's remarks were made available at the U.N. in New York.
Than Shwe has resisted U.N. demands to open up democratically, ignoring four Security Council statements and direct entreaties by Ban and a top envoy. Suu Kyi has been in detention for 14 of the last 20 years since her pro-democracy party won in the polls but was denied power.
Myanmar's government has given no indication it will release her or the 200 political prisoners that Ibrahim Gambari, Ban's top envoy, told The Associated Press he expected would be freed after Ban's most recent trip.
Western and U.N. diplomats increasingly view Myanmar as intent on holding staged elections to enshrine its military dictatorship next year, with few other than the government or neighboring China able to steer an alternate course.
"It's the Burmese leadership that have to take the decision to move forward, rather than to keep their country held back in a state of lack of freedom, military regime and an environment in which there's going to be very little international investment," British Ambassador John Sawers said in an AP interview.
China and Russia, two of Myanmar's main weapons suppliers and trading partners, oppose the idea of a U.N.-backed international arms embargo, and they also blocked the council from making anything more than a tepid protest of Suu Kyi's return to house arrest on Aug. 11.
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AsiaOne News - China urges Myanmar to maintain peace along border
Tue, Sep 01, 2009
AFP
BEIJING - China on Tuesday urged Myanmar to maintain peace in its remote northwest as refugees who fled clashes between government forces and rebels headed home, following reports the fighting had ceased.
"We hope peace can soon return to the China-Myanmar border and that Myanmar citizens can soon return home," foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters at a regular news briefing.
"Safeguarding stability along the China-Myanmar border is in the vital interest of the two peoples and is the common responsibility of the two governments."
Thousands of refugees poured across the border into China from Myanmar in recent weeks as government forces launched an offensive in the Kokang region, violating a 20-year ceasefire with the country's various rebel groups.
AFP reporters have since witnessed groups of refugees returning home.
The situation prompted China last week to call on its southern neighbour and ally to protect the many Chinese citizens living in the area.
Jiang reiterated that call Tuesday.
"We hope the Myanmar side will properly settle their domestic issues and do whatever it can to resume stability along the border and protect the safety and property of China's citizens in Myanmar," she said.
Many Chinese citizens who live or do business in Kokang told AFP that Myanmar soldiers and civilians had looted and ransacked Chinese-owned businesses.
Two Chinese nationals were killed in the fighting, officials here have said.
Jiang said Myanmar had apologised for the Chinese "collateral casualties" and thanked Beijing for caring for displaced Myanmar citizens.
"(Myanmar) pledged to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Myanmar and it also promised to restore peace and stability along the border," she said.
China is the isolated state's sole major ally and trade partner.
Energy-hungry China is an eager buyer of Myanmar's sizeable natural gas reserves and has in the past tried to shield its ruling junta from international sanctions imposed over its poor human rights record.
Tue, Sep 01, 2009
AFP
BEIJING - China on Tuesday urged Myanmar to maintain peace in its remote northwest as refugees who fled clashes between government forces and rebels headed home, following reports the fighting had ceased.
"We hope peace can soon return to the China-Myanmar border and that Myanmar citizens can soon return home," foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters at a regular news briefing.
"Safeguarding stability along the China-Myanmar border is in the vital interest of the two peoples and is the common responsibility of the two governments."
Thousands of refugees poured across the border into China from Myanmar in recent weeks as government forces launched an offensive in the Kokang region, violating a 20-year ceasefire with the country's various rebel groups.
AFP reporters have since witnessed groups of refugees returning home.
The situation prompted China last week to call on its southern neighbour and ally to protect the many Chinese citizens living in the area.
Jiang reiterated that call Tuesday.
"We hope the Myanmar side will properly settle their domestic issues and do whatever it can to resume stability along the border and protect the safety and property of China's citizens in Myanmar," she said.
Many Chinese citizens who live or do business in Kokang told AFP that Myanmar soldiers and civilians had looted and ransacked Chinese-owned businesses.
Two Chinese nationals were killed in the fighting, officials here have said.
Jiang said Myanmar had apologised for the Chinese "collateral casualties" and thanked Beijing for caring for displaced Myanmar citizens.
"(Myanmar) pledged to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Myanmar and it also promised to restore peace and stability along the border," she said.
China is the isolated state's sole major ally and trade partner.
Energy-hungry China is an eager buyer of Myanmar's sizeable natural gas reserves and has in the past tried to shield its ruling junta from international sanctions imposed over its poor human rights record.
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Myanmar to take part in int'l film festival in India next year
www.chinaview.cn 2009-09-01 19:00:07
YANGON, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will take part in the Mumbai international film festival to be held in India in 2010 to introduce the country's documentary, short and animation films, the local weekly Pyi Myanmar reported Tuesday.
This is the first time for Myanmar to attend the festival, the 11th of its kind that is scheduled for Feb. 3-9, the report said.
Two of Myanmar directors, who once won prizes in similar international film festival, will join the biennial event, it said.
Best documentary film award winner will be presented with Golden Coach trophy and 300,000 rupees, while the second winner will be offered with Silver Coach and 150,000 rupees.
Meanwhile, Myanmar is making efforts to promote the standard of the country's video features and movie production for penetrating foreign markets, urging artists to cooperate with international counterparts to improve domestic movie industry, while preserving and safeguarding national cultural heritage, national prestige and national character through the arts of film.
For the development of TV and movie sector, Myanmar sent delegations in the past few years to international radio, movie and TV shows to learn the digital camera technology and the TV broadcasting.
Myanmar formed the Motion Picture Promotion and Scrutiny Board in 1952 and since then 301 domestic academy awards have been presented to successful artists annually.
www.chinaview.cn 2009-09-01 19:00:07
YANGON, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will take part in the Mumbai international film festival to be held in India in 2010 to introduce the country's documentary, short and animation films, the local weekly Pyi Myanmar reported Tuesday.
This is the first time for Myanmar to attend the festival, the 11th of its kind that is scheduled for Feb. 3-9, the report said.
Two of Myanmar directors, who once won prizes in similar international film festival, will join the biennial event, it said.
Best documentary film award winner will be presented with Golden Coach trophy and 300,000 rupees, while the second winner will be offered with Silver Coach and 150,000 rupees.
Meanwhile, Myanmar is making efforts to promote the standard of the country's video features and movie production for penetrating foreign markets, urging artists to cooperate with international counterparts to improve domestic movie industry, while preserving and safeguarding national cultural heritage, national prestige and national character through the arts of film.
For the development of TV and movie sector, Myanmar sent delegations in the past few years to international radio, movie and TV shows to learn the digital camera technology and the TV broadcasting.
Myanmar formed the Motion Picture Promotion and Scrutiny Board in 1952 and since then 301 domestic academy awards have been presented to successful artists annually.
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25 A/H1N1 flu patients discharged from hospital in Myanmar
www.chinaview.cn 2009-09-01 11:40:23
YANGON, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 25 A/H1N1 flu-infected patients out of 30 hospitalized have recovered from illness and discharged from there, according to the Health Department Tuesday.
The remaining five of the flu-infected patients are still under special medical treatment but appear recovering, the sources said.
Myanmar reported its first A/H1N1 flu case on June 27 with a 13-year-old girl who developed symptoms after coming back home from Singapore a day earlier.
So far, over 2 million people have been screened at airports, ports and border checkpoints, according to the department.
The authorities continue to take preventive measures against the possible spread of the global human flu pandemic, advising all private clinics in the country to report or transfer all the flu-suspected patients, who returned from abroad, to local state-run hospitals or health departments for increased surveillance.
www.chinaview.cn 2009-09-01 11:40:23
YANGON, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 25 A/H1N1 flu-infected patients out of 30 hospitalized have recovered from illness and discharged from there, according to the Health Department Tuesday.
The remaining five of the flu-infected patients are still under special medical treatment but appear recovering, the sources said.
Myanmar reported its first A/H1N1 flu case on June 27 with a 13-year-old girl who developed symptoms after coming back home from Singapore a day earlier.
So far, over 2 million people have been screened at airports, ports and border checkpoints, according to the department.
The authorities continue to take preventive measures against the possible spread of the global human flu pandemic, advising all private clinics in the country to report or transfer all the flu-suspected patients, who returned from abroad, to local state-run hospitals or health departments for increased surveillance.
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Posted: Tue, Sep 1 2009. 9:04 PM IST
Livemint - Uncoordinated in Myanmar
Is India’s policy towards Myanmar, undeterred by Western quibbling about democracy, paying any dividends or is it turning out to be a vast sink-hole for Indian resources?
Is India missing the wood for the trees in Myanmar? It has been our stand for long to not let any Western quibbling about democracy in Myanmar come in the way of better relations with that country. But is that policy paying any dividends or is it turning out to be a vast sink-hole for Indian resources, financial and political?
As reported in Mint today, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) is footing the bill for hydrological studies for executing two power projects there.
India has always viewed Western notions of human rights as a tool used by those countries to pressure developing nations. India, until recently, was at the receiving end of the ideology of human rights. As a result, it views such assaults on Myanmar in a similar light.
At the same time, however, Indian support to the Myanmarese regime is no longer cost-free. As it prepares for a bigger global role, such support may come to haunt India. As a result, a cost-benefit analysis has to be factored in.
In the present case, India was to help Myanmar build the 1,200MW Tamanti hydroelectric power plant in northern Myanmar and a 620MW project on the Chindwin river. In return, India had hoped for a share in hydrocarbon resources from that country. That hope has, however, been belied. China has stolen a march and has garnered the lion’s share of those resources.
At one level, the problem is that of poor coordination between the many Indian players involved: MEA, the petroleum ministry and the various public sector units involved in projects there. This, it goes without saying, is a precondition for success.
At another level, however, India needs to assert itself in a manner that makes the Myanmarese government understand our priorities and concerns. So far, even from the scattered reports that emanate on the subject, that does not seem to be the case. India does not have to hold ultimatums to a country that is its friend, but perhaps it is time to take another look at our strategies of persuasion.
There is a case for spending money in a manner to get the maximum bang per buck. The question is: has the Prime Minister’s Office, which increasingly drives foreign policy, given thought to the matter?
Livemint - Uncoordinated in Myanmar
Is India’s policy towards Myanmar, undeterred by Western quibbling about democracy, paying any dividends or is it turning out to be a vast sink-hole for Indian resources?
Is India missing the wood for the trees in Myanmar? It has been our stand for long to not let any Western quibbling about democracy in Myanmar come in the way of better relations with that country. But is that policy paying any dividends or is it turning out to be a vast sink-hole for Indian resources, financial and political?
As reported in Mint today, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) is footing the bill for hydrological studies for executing two power projects there.
India has always viewed Western notions of human rights as a tool used by those countries to pressure developing nations. India, until recently, was at the receiving end of the ideology of human rights. As a result, it views such assaults on Myanmar in a similar light.
At the same time, however, Indian support to the Myanmarese regime is no longer cost-free. As it prepares for a bigger global role, such support may come to haunt India. As a result, a cost-benefit analysis has to be factored in.
In the present case, India was to help Myanmar build the 1,200MW Tamanti hydroelectric power plant in northern Myanmar and a 620MW project on the Chindwin river. In return, India had hoped for a share in hydrocarbon resources from that country. That hope has, however, been belied. China has stolen a march and has garnered the lion’s share of those resources.
At one level, the problem is that of poor coordination between the many Indian players involved: MEA, the petroleum ministry and the various public sector units involved in projects there. This, it goes without saying, is a precondition for success.
At another level, however, India needs to assert itself in a manner that makes the Myanmarese government understand our priorities and concerns. So far, even from the scattered reports that emanate on the subject, that does not seem to be the case. India does not have to hold ultimatums to a country that is its friend, but perhaps it is time to take another look at our strategies of persuasion.
There is a case for spending money in a manner to get the maximum bang per buck. The question is: has the Prime Minister’s Office, which increasingly drives foreign policy, given thought to the matter?
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Hong Kong Standard - Refugees to stop looters
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
People who fled to China from clashes in northeast Burma have started going back home, overcoming worries about safety to return to shops and homes they fear could otherwise be looted.
Burmese troops appeared to have control of Kokang, a heavily ethnic Chinese enclave controlled by local rulers and militia after weeks of fighting that forced tens of thousands of residents to flee to neighboring Yunnan province.
The Burmese government said the situation had returned to normal, adding that 26 soldiers or police had been killed.
Yunnan authorities said they had sheltered 37,000 refugees, but China has shown no eagerness to host Burmese. The border situation "is returning to normal," said a Public Security Ministry spokesman.
Crowds of people from Kokang felt safe enough to begin returning to their homes yesterday, with hundreds pressing past border checks.
"Of course I'm scared to go back," said refugee Liu Shurong, but "if you don't go back to guard your shop it will be looted. Many of my neighbors have lost all their belongings."
Chinese guards were allowing Burmese citizens to return, but barring Chinese nationals unless they held special passes.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
People who fled to China from clashes in northeast Burma have started going back home, overcoming worries about safety to return to shops and homes they fear could otherwise be looted.
Burmese troops appeared to have control of Kokang, a heavily ethnic Chinese enclave controlled by local rulers and militia after weeks of fighting that forced tens of thousands of residents to flee to neighboring Yunnan province.
The Burmese government said the situation had returned to normal, adding that 26 soldiers or police had been killed.
Yunnan authorities said they had sheltered 37,000 refugees, but China has shown no eagerness to host Burmese. The border situation "is returning to normal," said a Public Security Ministry spokesman.
Crowds of people from Kokang felt safe enough to begin returning to their homes yesterday, with hundreds pressing past border checks.
"Of course I'm scared to go back," said refugee Liu Shurong, but "if you don't go back to guard your shop it will be looted. Many of my neighbors have lost all their belongings."
Chinese guards were allowing Burmese citizens to return, but barring Chinese nationals unless they held special passes.
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Myanmar Steps Up Administration Of Pawn Business
YANGON, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- The Yangon municipal authorities are stepping up administration of pawn business and inspecting monthly such business in operation in the municipal area to expose illegal undertakings, China's Xinhua news agency reported, citing the local Pyi Myanmar weekly as saying on Tuesday.
On finding such pawn business operating without license for the first time, the pawnshop owner will be advised to get registered legally, the report said.
The report added that if the owner failing to do so on inspection for the second time, the owner will be fined with a cash of 50,000 Kyats (about US$45) and the shop will be set to close on the third inspection for continued failure.
According to official statistics, the number of pawnshops legalized in the Yangon municipal area has increased to 260 in 2009 from five years ago's 140.
The authorities said the legalization of such pawn business contributes to systematic collection of tax.
The official monthly economic indicators reveal that Myanmar earned a total revenue of 987,807 million Kyats (some US$898 million) from various taxes namely commercial tax and income tax in the fiscal year 2008-09.
YANGON, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- The Yangon municipal authorities are stepping up administration of pawn business and inspecting monthly such business in operation in the municipal area to expose illegal undertakings, China's Xinhua news agency reported, citing the local Pyi Myanmar weekly as saying on Tuesday.
On finding such pawn business operating without license for the first time, the pawnshop owner will be advised to get registered legally, the report said.
The report added that if the owner failing to do so on inspection for the second time, the owner will be fined with a cash of 50,000 Kyats (about US$45) and the shop will be set to close on the third inspection for continued failure.
According to official statistics, the number of pawnshops legalized in the Yangon municipal area has increased to 260 in 2009 from five years ago's 140.
The authorities said the legalization of such pawn business contributes to systematic collection of tax.
The official monthly economic indicators reveal that Myanmar earned a total revenue of 987,807 million Kyats (some US$898 million) from various taxes namely commercial tax and income tax in the fiscal year 2008-09.
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The Irrawaddy - Amnesty Offer to Kokang Troops—Leaders Face Manhunt
By MIN LWIN, Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Burmese regime military commanders in the restive Kokang area of Burma’s Shan State have offered an amnesty to troops of the Kokang ceasefire group Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), while launching a manhunt for four key MNDAA leaders, according to military sources.
The four MNDAA leaders—Phon Kya Shin, Phon Kya Phu, Phon Tar Shwin and Phon Tarli in Burmese—have been accused by state-run media of involvement in the illegal production of weapons and drugs.
The manhunt was ordered as hundreds of regime soldiers were newly deployed in the Kokang region of southeastern Shan State. The deployment was ordered by Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chief of No.2 Bureau of Special Operation (BSO).
The offensive, reportedly aimed at the total defeat and eradication of the MNDAA, is commanded by Min Aung Hlaing who recently based in Lashio, capital of Northern Shan State.
Military sources said that Min Aung Hlaing is keeping troops in Shan State on high alert along the Chinese border, sending reinforcements there from No. 33 Light Infantry Division from Sagaing, Upper Burma.
A government army source said that 10 battalions from No. 33 Light Infantry Division were deployed in late August north of Laogai, capital of the Kokang region, and along the China-Burma border, where Kokang troops were based.
About 10 battalions of No. 16 Military Operation Command (MOC), based in Theindi, Northern Shan State, have been deployed south of Laogai.
10 battalions are already in place before the conflict began.
“This region is about 100,000 kilometer square, so 30 battalions are too many for the offensive,” said Aung Kyaw Zaw, a Sino-Burmese border-based former Burmese communist rebel. “These troops can be deployed there long term,”
Two tank battalions and two artillery battalions have also been reinforced in the Kokang region, Aung Kyaw Zaw said. Burma artillery battalions use 110 mm and 105 mm heavy mortar.
Other sources said that some battalions of Meiktaila-based No. 99 Light Infantry Division is on high alert in readiness go to the Kokang region.
Meanwhile, military sources said that some battalions from Triangle Area Command based in Kengtung have been deployed close to areas controlled by the United Wa State Army.
By MIN LWIN, Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Burmese regime military commanders in the restive Kokang area of Burma’s Shan State have offered an amnesty to troops of the Kokang ceasefire group Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), while launching a manhunt for four key MNDAA leaders, according to military sources.
The four MNDAA leaders—Phon Kya Shin, Phon Kya Phu, Phon Tar Shwin and Phon Tarli in Burmese—have been accused by state-run media of involvement in the illegal production of weapons and drugs.
The manhunt was ordered as hundreds of regime soldiers were newly deployed in the Kokang region of southeastern Shan State. The deployment was ordered by Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chief of No.2 Bureau of Special Operation (BSO).
The offensive, reportedly aimed at the total defeat and eradication of the MNDAA, is commanded by Min Aung Hlaing who recently based in Lashio, capital of Northern Shan State.
Military sources said that Min Aung Hlaing is keeping troops in Shan State on high alert along the Chinese border, sending reinforcements there from No. 33 Light Infantry Division from Sagaing, Upper Burma.
A government army source said that 10 battalions from No. 33 Light Infantry Division were deployed in late August north of Laogai, capital of the Kokang region, and along the China-Burma border, where Kokang troops were based.
About 10 battalions of No. 16 Military Operation Command (MOC), based in Theindi, Northern Shan State, have been deployed south of Laogai.
10 battalions are already in place before the conflict began.
“This region is about 100,000 kilometer square, so 30 battalions are too many for the offensive,” said Aung Kyaw Zaw, a Sino-Burmese border-based former Burmese communist rebel. “These troops can be deployed there long term,”
Two tank battalions and two artillery battalions have also been reinforced in the Kokang region, Aung Kyaw Zaw said. Burma artillery battalions use 110 mm and 105 mm heavy mortar.
Other sources said that some battalions of Meiktaila-based No. 99 Light Infantry Division is on high alert in readiness go to the Kokang region.
Meanwhile, military sources said that some battalions from Triangle Area Command based in Kengtung have been deployed close to areas controlled by the United Wa State Army.
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The Irrawaddy - Laogai is a Silent Capital
By SAW YAN NAING, Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Supermarkets, gambling casinos, street shops and fresh food markets are silent since Laogai, the Kokang capital, fell to junta troops on Aug. 24.
A merchant in the city who asked for anonymity said most daily businesses have not reopened because the city is still under the control of the regime’s soldiers.
“There are about 10 gambling casinos in Laogai,” he said. “None of the casinos reopened, and supermarkets are still closed.”
Several sources on the Sino-Burmese border said government soldiers who occupied Laogai have looted commodities in some stores owned by Kokang businessmen.
An estimated 30,000 Laogai residents fled to China when shooting between Kokang soldiers and government troops broke out when Kokang troops tried to retake the territory they had abandoned earlier in the week.
“It is impossible to reopen the businesses as long as the government troops control the city,” said the merchant.
An estimated 90 percent of businesses in Laogai are controlled by Chinese businessmen who immigrated to Burma for business opportunities, sources said.
Some Chinese businessmen in nearby areas controlled by another ceasefire militia, the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) also known as the Mong La group, have also reportedly left the area in fear of more clashes.
The Burmese regime and Chinese authorities have asked Kokang refugees to return home. Many returned on Monday to protect their businesses and homes, but they have yet to reopen, said the businessman.
A businessman in Mandalay said some commercial trucks that carry commodities from the Sino-Burmese border to Mandalay have been ordered to carry military supplies for government troops to Longai.
As a result, he said he has stopped sending his trucks on their normal runs.
Khin Maung Nyo, a Rangoon-based Burmese economic analyst, said the conflict in Kokang territory will hurt local border trade temporarily, but Laogai is not among the major points of border trade with China.
By SAW YAN NAING, Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Supermarkets, gambling casinos, street shops and fresh food markets are silent since Laogai, the Kokang capital, fell to junta troops on Aug. 24.
A merchant in the city who asked for anonymity said most daily businesses have not reopened because the city is still under the control of the regime’s soldiers.
“There are about 10 gambling casinos in Laogai,” he said. “None of the casinos reopened, and supermarkets are still closed.”
Several sources on the Sino-Burmese border said government soldiers who occupied Laogai have looted commodities in some stores owned by Kokang businessmen.
An estimated 30,000 Laogai residents fled to China when shooting between Kokang soldiers and government troops broke out when Kokang troops tried to retake the territory they had abandoned earlier in the week.
“It is impossible to reopen the businesses as long as the government troops control the city,” said the merchant.
An estimated 90 percent of businesses in Laogai are controlled by Chinese businessmen who immigrated to Burma for business opportunities, sources said.
Some Chinese businessmen in nearby areas controlled by another ceasefire militia, the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) also known as the Mong La group, have also reportedly left the area in fear of more clashes.
The Burmese regime and Chinese authorities have asked Kokang refugees to return home. Many returned on Monday to protect their businesses and homes, but they have yet to reopen, said the businessman.
A businessman in Mandalay said some commercial trucks that carry commodities from the Sino-Burmese border to Mandalay have been ordered to carry military supplies for government troops to Longai.
As a result, he said he has stopped sending his trucks on their normal runs.
Khin Maung Nyo, a Rangoon-based Burmese economic analyst, said the conflict in Kokang territory will hurt local border trade temporarily, but Laogai is not among the major points of border trade with China.
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Kokang conflict ‘could spark bigger problems’
Sept 1, 2009 (DVB)–Recent fighting between Burmese troops and armed ethnic groups could be the precursor to broader conflict between ceasefire groups and the ruling junta, says a prominent activist.
Fighting broke out last week in the Kokang region of Burma’s northeastern Shan state, forcing around 37,000 people across the border into China.
Tension had been mounting between Burmese troops and the Kokang-based Myanmar Peace and Democracy Front (MPDF), following pressure from the junta on ceasefire groups to transform in border patrol militias.
The ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) had also been urging groups to form political parties in lieu of elections next year.
According to Than Khe, chairman of the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), which played a key role in the 1988 uprising, the fighting was a result of the junta rushing towards the elections “without properly solving political problems first”.
“This could spark even bigger problems in the future. The fight may physically stop eventually but the problem would remain,” he said.
The future of ceasefire agreements remains tenuous, with the MPDF receiving some backing from other ceasefire groups in the region.
According to some sources, around 500 troops from the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Burma’s largest ceasefire group who along with the MPDF had signed a truce with the junta in 1989, joined with the Kokang army.
Pressure to transform into border guards has created increasingly noticeable fissures between the government and ceasefire groups, said a Sai Lao Hseng, spokesperson for the Shan State Army (SSA) South.
“This will make it even more difficult for the ceasefire groups to trust the SPDC government,” he said.
Both the Kokang group and the UWSA are made up of ethnic Chinese, and China is thought to supply the UWSA with arms and economic support.
China issued a rare rebuke to Burma last week, urging the junta to solve problems that forced thousands into southern China.
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu today appeared to placate the tension somewhat, stating that it was the “shared responsibility of both governments” to ensure stability of the border region.
Reporting by Naw Noreen
Sept 1, 2009 (DVB)–Recent fighting between Burmese troops and armed ethnic groups could be the precursor to broader conflict between ceasefire groups and the ruling junta, says a prominent activist.
Fighting broke out last week in the Kokang region of Burma’s northeastern Shan state, forcing around 37,000 people across the border into China.
Tension had been mounting between Burmese troops and the Kokang-based Myanmar Peace and Democracy Front (MPDF), following pressure from the junta on ceasefire groups to transform in border patrol militias.
The ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) had also been urging groups to form political parties in lieu of elections next year.
According to Than Khe, chairman of the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), which played a key role in the 1988 uprising, the fighting was a result of the junta rushing towards the elections “without properly solving political problems first”.
“This could spark even bigger problems in the future. The fight may physically stop eventually but the problem would remain,” he said.
The future of ceasefire agreements remains tenuous, with the MPDF receiving some backing from other ceasefire groups in the region.
According to some sources, around 500 troops from the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Burma’s largest ceasefire group who along with the MPDF had signed a truce with the junta in 1989, joined with the Kokang army.
Pressure to transform into border guards has created increasingly noticeable fissures between the government and ceasefire groups, said a Sai Lao Hseng, spokesperson for the Shan State Army (SSA) South.
“This will make it even more difficult for the ceasefire groups to trust the SPDC government,” he said.
Both the Kokang group and the UWSA are made up of ethnic Chinese, and China is thought to supply the UWSA with arms and economic support.
China issued a rare rebuke to Burma last week, urging the junta to solve problems that forced thousands into southern China.
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu today appeared to placate the tension somewhat, stating that it was the “shared responsibility of both governments” to ensure stability of the border region.
Reporting by Naw Noreen
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Media watchdogs slam journal ban
Sept 1, 2009 (DVB)–Two media watchdogs have said the recent closure of a Burmese weekly journal by the government may stem from “a desire to settle old scores” between the junta and editor.
Last month the Burmese government’s Censorship Board closed the Rangoon journal, Phoenix, citing breaches of censorship regulations.
Today a statement issued by Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) and the Burma Media Association (BMA) condemned the action, claiming the reason went beyond just an issue of violations of press standards.
“Part of the motive for the permanent ban appears to be a desire to settle old scores with [Phoenix editor] Mar-J, who is also a former Major in the Burmese Air Force,” said the statement.
“But after publishing satirical articles about the military junta, he was removed from his post.”
Phoenix had been active for only seven months, yet had already been subject to a temporary ban following other alleged problems over censorship.
Burma has one of the strictest media environments in the world, and was last year ranked 170 out of 173 countries in RSF’s Press Freedom Index.
Any published criticism of the government is forbidden, and journalists often receive lengthy prison sentences for alleged dissent.
“This ban is a sad example of the censorship to which Burma’s privately-owned media are constantly exposed,” the statement said, adding that “the publication of critical articles is not grounds for such a ban”.
Magazines and journals are required to send all articles to the Censorship Board for verification days prior to publication. Due to financial costs of printing and reprinting pages, many editors complain of being forced to self-censor.
Reporting by Francis Wade
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Sept 1, 2009 (DVB)–Two media watchdogs have said the recent closure of a Burmese weekly journal by the government may stem from “a desire to settle old scores” between the junta and editor.
Last month the Burmese government’s Censorship Board closed the Rangoon journal, Phoenix, citing breaches of censorship regulations.
Today a statement issued by Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) and the Burma Media Association (BMA) condemned the action, claiming the reason went beyond just an issue of violations of press standards.
“Part of the motive for the permanent ban appears to be a desire to settle old scores with [Phoenix editor] Mar-J, who is also a former Major in the Burmese Air Force,” said the statement.
“But after publishing satirical articles about the military junta, he was removed from his post.”
Phoenix had been active for only seven months, yet had already been subject to a temporary ban following other alleged problems over censorship.
Burma has one of the strictest media environments in the world, and was last year ranked 170 out of 173 countries in RSF’s Press Freedom Index.
Any published criticism of the government is forbidden, and journalists often receive lengthy prison sentences for alleged dissent.
“This ban is a sad example of the censorship to which Burma’s privately-owned media are constantly exposed,” the statement said, adding that “the publication of critical articles is not grounds for such a ban”.
Magazines and journals are required to send all articles to the Censorship Board for verification days prior to publication. Due to financial costs of printing and reprinting pages, many editors complain of being forced to self-censor.
Reporting by Francis Wade
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