China has temporarily closed all border checkpoints on the China-Myanmar border in the northern Shan State, starting from 1 April. 

On the morning of 31 March, China informed Myanmar about the temporary closures of border checkpoints.

“China will ban the entry of Myanmar citizens to China. But China will allow cargo trucks alone in order to avoid the stoppage of trade flows,” said Shan State Parliament MP U Sai Kyaw Thein. 

U Zaw Min Hlaing, head of District Road Transport Department said: “I got the news about the shutdown of border checkpoints via phone. The department is cooperating with the Myanmar Traffic Police as China will allow the truck drivers with the ID cards issued by the Northern Shan State.”

U Sai Khin Maung, Vice-Chair of Muse 105th Mile Vegetable and Fruits Wholesale Center said: “The major challenge we are facing now is China will ban the entry of Chinese buyers to Myanmar. Currently, high-only quality fruits, watermelon and sweet melons get high prices.”

Myanmar has to sell agro and marine products at the lower prices as Chinese buyers cannot enter Myanmar due to the prevention and control of COVID-19.