Narinjara, 27 May, 2025

A trustworthy source informed Narinjara that amid the ongoing intense combat in Kyaukphyu Township, home to significant Chinese ventures, roughly 20 Chinese soldiers are personally controlling drones to strike the AA. 

"Approximately 20 Chinese troops collaborating with junta forces at the Dhanyawaddy Navy and the OGT Chinese factory are piloting drones independently and assaulting the AA and surrounding villages. The navy has obtained certain details indicating that Burmese soldiers are prohibited from flying drones. It is known that the Chinese troops, who possess greater technical expertise, are personally piloting the drones and bombing villages," he stated. 

According to the source, Chinese soldiers have actively participated in and assaulted the Chinese Power Distribution and Disposal Plant (OGT) in the Gongchwain area and the Dhanyawaddy Naval Headquarters in the Thit Pote Taung area, both in Kyaukphyu Township, using drones. 

According to the source, Chinese troops have been actively participating in the Kyaukpyu conflict since the AA seized the junta camp in Min Taek Taung village, Kyaukpyu Township, along with the Military Council camp situated at the Government Technical Training School on May 19. 

A politician from Kyaukpyu in Rakhine stated that while China claims not to meddle in Myanmar's affairs, he has heard that Chinese soldiers are currently using drones from the military council’s warships and the Chinese project site where military council troops are based. 

CDM Captain Zin Yaw also suggested that the Chinese might be launching drone attacks on the AA from the military council’s side. 

“There is a possibility. They entered into an agreement with the military due to their concerns that the pipelines on De Ma Day Island could be harmed. Should the AA gain complete control of Kyaukphyu, they will need to re-enter into a contract with the AA. They have to sign a contract. The existing agreement they have entered is aimed at safeguarding their investment from China. The possibility is high," he stated. 

Following the AA's capture of two military bases in Kyaukphyu, it is reported that the troops of the military council have fallen back to Chinese facilities, such as the OGT plant, and are resisting the AA. 

CDM Captain Zin Yaw remarked, "As we are nearly 10 kilometers, six miles, from Kyaukphyu, it would be scary if China panicked." 

Kyaukphyu is the city hosting China’s Shwe natural gas and oil pipeline projects, serving as a significant source of foreign revenue for the military council. Additionally, it features a deep-sea port, highlighting its geopolitical importance. 

Consequently, it is believed that China, together with the military council, is making efforts to stop Kyaukpyu from being taken by the AA at all costs. 

Since last February, fighting has occurred between the AA and the military council in Kyaukpyu Township, where the Chinese projects are situated. Following this confrontation, it was noted that Chinese mercenaries also flew into Kyaukpyu Township from Yangon Airport on February 27.

The Chinese mercenaries, totaling approximately 50, comprise snipers and are assigned to several battalions, such as the (32) Police Battalion of the military council’s Dhanyawady Naval Headquarters, as well as within the navy, based on ground reports. 

In 2024, it was indicated that the military council dispatched Chinese troops to secure the Made Kyun project close to Kyaukpyu. Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently urged the chairman of the military council to ensure the security of Chinese projects in Myanmar, such as Kyaukphyu, and the individuals involved in these projects. 

A military source on the ground informed Narinjara that the current conflict between the AA and the military council forces has extended to the location of the 32nd Combat Police Battalion, just 6 miles away from Kyaukphyu. 

Recently, the clash between AA and junta forces has extended to the area of the 32nd Combat Police Battalion following the AA's takeover of several outposts in Kyaukphyu township on the evening of May 23. 

The 32nd Combat Police Battalion, 34th Battalion, 542nd Infantry Battalion, 543rd Infantry Battalion, Dhanyawady Naval Headquarters, Taungmaw Naval Base, and Ohnchuin Naval Base are located in Kyaukphyu. 

On the evening of May 22, the junta forces initiated a military operation close to the Mindat Taung camp in Kyaukphyu Township, which had been taken over by the Arakan Army (AA) the day before.