March 28, 2024 at 12:33AM
Myanmar’s military junta has faced challenges in controlling its territory, with China backing rebel forces due to concerns about cyber scam centers in the country. The junta’s failure to address the proliferation of scam centers led to China’s tacit support for an armed offensive. The offensive, known as Operation 1027, resulted in a significant setback for the junta, with hundreds of outposts overrun and trade routes to China severed. China’s focus on curbing the criminal groups running these scams has become a top political priority.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes are as follows:
1. China’s backing of rebel forces in Myanmar is a response to the country’s failure to address cyberscam centers operating within its territory. This displeased Beijing after having invested significantly in the previous administration’s anticipated infrastructure projects.
2. Operation 1027, an offensive against the Tatmadaw, was backed by China due to the junta’s failure to crack down on online scam centers. The offensive was executed along the China-Myanmar border and resulted in a significant setback for the military junta.
3. Human trafficking and online scam operations in Myanmar have drawn global attention, with China prioritizing addressing these criminal activities that primarily target its citizens.
4. The military junta handed over thousands of individuals, including Chinese nationals, involved in online scams to China following the offensive. This move was seen as a major humiliation for the Tatmadaw.
5. Despite Beijing’s displeasure with the new junta, it is warned that China may not support a collapse of the regime that could result in a Western-leaning replacement. Therefore, China aims to maintain considerable leverage with the current military regime.
These takeaways highlight the complex dynamics involving China, the Myanmar military junta, rebel forces, and criminal activities within Myanmar’s borders.