There were reports indicating the presence of a group of Chinese naval ships in Myanmar waters not far from Kyaukphyu Township in Rakhine State, yet these claims were refuted by locals and Rakhine observers.

Freedom News Group (FNG) first reported the arrival of a Chinese naval group, consisting of two warships equipped with guided missiles and five destroyers, in the waters off Kyaukphyu earlier this week.

However, residents of Kyaukphyu stated that they have not seen any Chinese naval vessels or civilian commercial vessels near the town.

" We have not seen any Chinese ships in the sea near Kyaukphyu. If something unusual was happening, we would hear about it. If Chinese naval ships were in the Bay of Bengal, we would know”, a Kyaukphyu resident told Narinjara.

Rakhine veteran politician U Pe Than also mentioned that he had not received any reports regarding Chinese naval ships being in Myanmar waters near Kyaukphyu. However, he noted that the Myanmar Navy had been frequently firing artillery at civilian areas where locals reside.

"We have not heard anything about Chinese naval or civilian ships being around. Only the Junta's navy is attacking towns and villages. If Chinese ships were here, locals would know. The news of the arrival of China ships cannot be confirmed. Besides, China has no reason to dispatch a navy group to Kyaukphyu”, he suggested.

Some political analysts speculate that due to the ongoing clashes in Rakhine State, the Chinese government could try to protect Chinese citizens in Kyaukphyu and other areas.

As part of the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, the Chinese government intends to construct deep-sea ports, including a 2500x600m port on Maday Island in Kyaukphyu and two additional 1500x600m ports on Ramree Island.

Photo caption: A submarine of the Junta Navy