Chinese customs authorities at the border crossing between Muse in northern Shan State and Ruili in China have completely banned the import of computers and electronic accessories to Myanmar.

The Chinese border authorities first tightened restrictions in the second week of October.

A trader from Muse said to Shan Herald: “In the past, individuals were able to carry as many goods as they could across the border, but that’s no longer allowed. Now, only packages under three feet tall are permitted, and IT and electronic equipment are strictly banned from being transported into Myanmar.”

Previously, the Chinese authorities have banned the import of some Myanmar goods to China, but this is the first time they have blocked exports from China to Myanmar.

A Muse resident said: "In the past, bringing Chinese products to Myanmar was never a problem. Checks were only tough when goods were brought from Myanmar to China. I don't understand what is happening now. With the political situation changing, I can't even predict what will happen next.”

Currently Muse is cut off from the rest of Myanmar because the Mandalay to Muse Road has been closed for almost a year, since the beginning of the Three Brotherhood Alliance’s Operation 1027 in northern Shan State on 27 October 2023. This means that the inhabitants of Muse Township and neighbouring Namhkam Township, also on the border, are very dependent on goods imported from China.

The aforementioned Muse Town resident said: "If things continue as they are, the challenges people face could become even greater.”

Muse is currently the only border crossing town with China still controlled by the junta, all the rest have been taken over by revolutionary forces. The Chinese have now closed all the border crossings being held by revolutionary forces and Muse is currently the only border crossing between China and Myanmar that is still open.

Military tensions around Muse Town are escalating and the town’s residents fear that fighting between ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) and the junta could spillover into Muse Town any time soon.

On 15 October, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) tried to enter Namhkon Village, about 5 km from Muse Town, but they were met by junta artillery fire. This was followed by half an hour of fighting during which a house was burned down, before the MNDAA retreated.

China does not want to see the conflict spread to Muse Town due to its proximity to the border.