China puts army on high alert after fighting in northeastern Myanmar
China has said its army is on high alert after armed groups in Myanmar attacked military and police posts close to their shared border at the weekend and that it would act to protect its citizens and their property in the area. The official Xinhua news agency said in a report late on November 20 three armed groups simultaneously attacked security posts in the border towns of Muse and Kutkai in Myanmar’s northeastern Shan state earlier in the day. Xinhua, citing unidentified sources, said there were military and civilian casualties but gave no other details. China’s defence ministry said in a statement on its website it hoped that calmness and restraint would be exercised to prevent further escalation. “The Chinese army is on high alert and will take the necessary measures to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and safety, as well as protect the lives and property of Chinese citizens living along the border,” the ministry statement said.
