๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ณ 12, 2024
Beijing recently hosted discussions between Wu Ken, a senior member of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and General NโBan La, Chairman of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). The talks, held on December 8 and 9, have fueled speculation that they focused on rare earth mineral exploitation in Kachin State.
Wu Ken, who is a central member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and previously served as Chinaโs ambassador to Germany, led the Chinese delegation. While the exact topics of the discussion were not disclosed, analysts suggest that rare earth minerals, border stability, and ongoing military conflicts were likely on the agenda.
The meeting comes amidst rising tensions over rare earth minerals, a crucial resource for advanced technologies. Since early December, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the military wing of KIO, has seized significant territories, including over 300 rare earth mining sites in Special Region 1 of Kachin State.
According to Chinaโs tax department, Myanmar exported over 26,892 tons of rare earth minerals to China between February and August 2024, valued at $600 million. However, KIAโs recent offensives have disrupted this trade, leading to the closure of five major trade gates along the China-Kachin border.
China has reportedly pressured KIA leaders to halt military actions to maintain stability along the border while unilaterally keeping border trade gates closed.
Despite these pressures, KIA and its allied forces have continued to launch offensives, targeting military junta positions across Bhamo and Mansi to expand their territorial control.
Comments