The Junta confirmed a meeting in Naypyidaw between the Chinese special envoy to Myanmar, and the Junta-appointed foreign minister on June 18.
Mr. Deng Xijun and U Than Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, engaged in discussions concerning the maintenance of peace and stability along the Myanmar-China border, as well as the enhancement of cooperation to benefit mutual relations, according to Junta-controlled newspapers.
Analysts have concluded that the Chinese envoy likely made an urgent visit to the Junta out of concern for potential harm to Chinese interests, such as deep-sea port projects and oil and gas pipelines in Kyaukphyu, amid the ongoing fighting.
In Kyaukphyu, clashes have occurred in recent days between the Junta and the Arakha Army (AA) near China's projects. AA has already seized control of nearly the entire northern part of Rakhine State and is now attempting to capture economically strategic towns like Maungdaw, Thandwe, and Kyaukph
The Chinese special envoy arrived in Naypyidaw a few days after eight officials from the Chinese embassy visited the projects on Maday Island in Kyaukphyu during the second week of this month.
They also discussed mutually beneficial cooperation in both regional and international arenas, with a focus on ASEAN and the United Nations.
While the junta did not explicitly mention it in their statement, political observers speculated that the discussions may have involved the current situations in northern Shan State and Rakhine State.
Military tensions between the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Junta have escalated recently despite a ceasefire in northern Shan State, with fighting spreading to Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State, where Chinese development projects are located.
Despite the Junta and the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes TNLA, agreeing to a ceasefire under the Haigeng Agreement, the Junta has frequently violated these commitments and engaged in provocative actions.
On May 18 in Nawnghkio (Naungcho), one TNLA member was killed, and four others injured due to shelling by the Junta. Civilian casualties from Junta airstrikes and shelling have also been reported in recent days.
