Behind the attacks targeting areas important for bilateral trade between Myanmar and China in northern Shan State and China-run projects are the forces attempting to destabilize bilateral relations, says Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the State Administration Council.
He made the statement during a press briefing on criticism by Western media on Myanmar-China border stability, the rule of law, and security cooperation, and the Arakan Army (AA)'s seizure of the vehicles owned by Mrauk-U District Archaeology Department, the vehicles used for regional and rural development and the vehicles owned by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and use of them for their self-interest.
"Looking at the developments in northern Shan State right now, these are important places for bilateral trade and communication routes. These are the places where important border trade stations are located. For the two governments, they will never act to deteriorate the situation. Behind such attacks on the projects run by the People's Republic of China are the forces working to disrupt Myanmar’s political, economic and social affairs and destabilize bilateral relations. We all have to understand and arrange for an end to these actions as soon as possible,” Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun said.
In Rakhine State also, the AA group have forcibly taken nine departmental vehicles by threatening with small weapons, and using them for their army, he added.
"Currently, there are clashes in some parts of Rakhine State. Some police posts have been occupied. There were shootings and military operations in the towns and villages. The AA, which has never been a good force for generations, needs to think carefully about whether it is right for the liberation of Rakhine State and for the people of Rakhine, as they say about it,” the SAC spokesman commented.
The Archaeology Department is working hard for Mrauk-U District to be on the list of the World Heritage Site. So, the group’s seizure of the vehicles used for regional development is a direct insult to the Rakhine people.
