YANGON, Myanmar: Myanmar’s junta home minister, Lieutenant-General Yar Pyae, embarked on a visit to China on Wednesday for discussions on law enforcement and security cooperation with Beijing’s minister for public security, Wang Xiaohong. The visit is scheduled from April 24 to 29 at the invitation of the Chinese minister.
According to state media outlet Global New Light of Myanmar, the purpose of the visit is to engage in talks concerning law enforcement and security collaboration, although specific details were not disclosed.
The relationship between Myanmar’s junta and China, a significant ally and arms supplier, has encountered strain recently due to the proliferation of online scam operations in Myanmar’s border regions. These operations involve trafficked individuals, including citizens of China and other countries, who are coerced into swindling their fellow citizens.
China has urged Myanmar’s military to take action against these illicit activities, predominantly concentrated in northern Shan state and estimated to generate billions of dollars annually. Moreover, China reportedly supported ethnic armed groups during a lightning offensive last year due to the junta’s inaction against these scams.
Recent efforts have seen a joint crackdown resulting in numerous arrests and deportations, yet syndicates have reportedly relocated to Karen State along the Thai border, backed by local militia groups. The scale of these operations, particularly around Myawaddy, underscores ongoing challenges in the region.
