According to media reports, the Chinese Communist Party is deeply involved in the conflict in Myanmar, reaching out to the military government on one hand and colluding with the rebel forces on the other, using the turmoil to advance its energy layout and geopolitical expansion.
The Economist reported on May 30 that Myanmar has been in constant turmoil since the coup in 2021, with many Western countries choosing to remain on the sidelines. However, the Chinese Communist Party has taken advantage of the situation and become one of the most active forces outside the battlefield.
One of its main concerns is the 2,500-kilometer oil and gas pipeline that stretches from Myanmar to China. Starting from Rakhine State’s Ramree Island, it reaches all the way to Kunming. Although this pipeline only supplies a portion of China’s energy needs, it has the strategic advantage of bypassing the Malacca Strait and serving as a crucial alternative transportation route in the event of conflicts between China and the United States.
In February this year, an aircraft landed on Ramree Island carrying 25 Chinese mercenaries. Despite the intense local conflict, they were not there to participate in combat but to protect Chinese assets, including the pipeline terminus, a planned deep-water port, and a potential railway in the future. The group reportedly received dual approval from the military government and the local armed group, the Arakan Army (AA).
Sources mentioned that under the current situation in Myanmar, no armed force is willing to offend the Chinese Communist Party.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, the pipeline has remained largely undisturbed. Both the military government and the rebel forces have been cautious, refraining from using heavy weaponry in the vicinity. Even after the Arakan Army took control of several pumping stations, oil and gas continued to be transported as usual.
Previously, the central part of Myanmar served as a recruitment base for the military. Following the coup, some younger individuals formed resistance groups and at one point considered targeting the pipeline. However, the exiled National Unity Government (NUG) advised against it, fearing that it might impact their efforts to garner international support, especially given the stance of the Chinese Communist Party.
Despite this, sporadic attacks have occurred. For instance, in 2022 and 2023, guerrilla forces in central Myanmar launched attacks on the pipeline, though the extent of damage was limited. Later on, through border agents, China severed the rebels’ supply of arms and ammunition, sometimes even withholding heavy weapons. A rebel commander mentioned that no one dares to touch the pipeline now, as the Chinese Communist Party could easily cut off their escape route.
While some ceasefire agreements have been reached in certain areas, on-the-ground conflicts remain frequent. Ironically, some residents opt to seek refuge near the pipeline to escape the fighting, as it has ironically become the “safest” place.
The flames of conflict in Myanmar have yet to be extinguished, and the role of the Chinese Communist Party is becoming increasingly intriguing. Where will this chaos ultimately lead? We will continue to monitor the situation.