China is carrying out land and air military exercises in Ruili (Shwe Li) City, just across the Myanmar China border from Muse Town in Shan State.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) started conducting military exercises near Ruili City in Yunnan Province on the morning of 26 August. Muse residents said that they have seen the Chinese military carrying out armoured vehicle patrols on its side of the border.

A Muse Town resident said on 26 August: “What’s notable is that on the Chinese side many armoured vehicles are stationed in Ruili City and the Jiegao Border Trade Zone. The patrolling has only been happening since this morning. Recently, there have been frequent Chinese helicopters at the border, some days we see one helicopter and others we see up to three.”

From 27 August the PLA will conduct a three-day land and air military exercise in Ruili City.

The Chinese announced they would be holding these military exercises following a 14 August meeting in Naypyidaw between the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and junta leader Min Aung Hlaing. The Chinese said that the aim of the exercises would be to help maintain stability and security in the border regions.

Muse Town is currently held by the junta, but it is surrounded by the resistance forces of the Three Brotherhood Alliance.

The aforementioned Muse Town resident said: “It’s unusual that the Chinese side is also patrolling the border with military vehicles. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) also frequently comes to Nawnghseng Village between Muse and Namkham towns. There are also rumors that ethnic armed groups plan to take control of Muse town on 28 August. Currently, there are security concerns.”

Previously, in April 2024, the Chinese military carried out live fire exercises on their side of the China Myanmar border.

Currently, nearly all towns in northern Shan State and the junta’s Northeastern Regional Military Command in Lashio Town are under the control of the Three Brotherhood Alliance.