Many more refugees are fleeing to China in the wake of clashes between the Burmese and Kokang troops, which began since this morning, according to sources.

The Kokang opened fire first at about 07:00 in Mangpiang village, Laogai, which reportedly killed three Burmese soldiers. Dozens of weapons were also seized by the rebel group, said a local resident on condition of anonymity.

The day’s fighting was the first for the Burmese Army and the Kokang, since the latter signed a ceasefire agreement with the military junta in 1989.

“People were very shaken and just rushed to China when they heard the gunfire,” he said.

However, people who do not possess Chinese ID cards were not allowed entry, except for the Chinese and Kokang, he added.

“Hundreds of Chinese policemen are guarding the gate,” he said.

Thousands of people have already fled to Nan San (Nam Hsang in Shan) Township since Monday, when the Kokang issued a statement saying that “People have to be prepared all the time.”

According to the latest report, Peng Jiasheng’s faction was said to have retrieved their arms repair workshop, which was raided by the Burmese Army on August 24 night.

In a face off, the two sides nearly came to blows on August 8 when the Burmese Army demanded to investigate reports of the Kokang force having an arms factory.  Since then, thousands of Burmese troops were moved into Kokang areas.

The Burmese military junta has been pressurizing all ethnic ceasefire groups since April to transform into a border guard force under the regime’s control ahead of its proposed general elections in 2010.