Narinjara News, 27 May, 2025 

Chinese civilian workers are said to be abandoning Chinese projects as clashes between the Arakan Army and junta forces in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State, escalate daily. 

A military source stated, “The clashes between the AA and the junta forces have escalated in recent days. There is combat occurring close to the OGT factory, a Chinese electrical distribution firm situated in Malakyun. The factory workers from China are escaping because they are afraid of the circumstances.” 

“The Burmese military withdrew into the factory and defended against the AA’s assault,” he stated, noting that the Chinese and Burmese workers within the factory recognized the threat and subsequently fled. 

Clashes erupted close to the Chinese project site near Malakyun in Kyaukphyu town, leading to reinforcements of junta troops in those regions, with additional skirmishes reported near the factory. 

A woman from Kyauk Phyu stated, “Most of those fleeing are Chinese laborers, with a small number of Burmese workers. Heavy artillery is being launched daily. Aircraft are releasing explosives. Drones are utilized. The scenario has turned urgent, prompting them to flee since May 25 and 26. 

Some Chinese workers have escaped to Made Kyun, the site of the Kyaukphyu natural gas and deep-sea port project, which has seen no conflict, while a few senior Chinese employees have taken flights to Yangon, the woman mentioned. 

"Most regular Chinese workers head towards Made Island. Local workers frequently steer clear of Kyaukphyu due to escalating clashes occurring there. Several high-ranking Chinese officials also travel to Yangon. I see Chinese returning to Yangon at the airport nearly every day," she mentioned. 

The minor military camps and posts in the sector held by junta forces are reinforced on May 21 and 23 with troops from Kyaukphyu-based LIB (542) and LIB (543) and then junta troops retreated to the Chinese Power Distribution and Waste Facility (OGT) along the Gong Chuin village route, Kyaukphyu Township. 

AA seized several military camps during the intense defense by the junta, which included the navy, air force, and Kyaukphyu-based LIB (542), LIB (543), and LIB (34), along with some naval bases. 

The AA persisted in its progress, seizing various military outposts and minor camps, ultimately arriving at the (32) Combat Police Battalion, which is safeguarding Kyaukphyu. 

Furthermore, there are numerous accounts indicating that amidst the intense conflict with the Arakan Army (AA) in Kyaukphyu Township, home to significant Chinese projects, around 20 Chinese soldiers are directly managing and operating drones to strike on behalf of the military counc