Chinese authorities continue to restrict the import of goods at Myanmar-China border gates controlled by the Brotherhood Alliance, following China’s increasingly visible support for the military council, according to sources.
Local sources report that at border gates controlled by the Brotherhood Alliance along the Myanmar-China border, only raw agricultural products such as sugarcane and corn can be exported to China, while food imports remain banned.
Since the third week of November, Chinese authorities have only allowed exports of raw materials such as sugarcane and corn at Brotherhood Alliance-controlled gates, including Kyin San Kyawt gate in Muse Township, Pang Hseng and Chinshwehaw gates controlled by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
“Pang Hseng and Kyin San Kyawt are open for sugarcane and corn exports. Nothing can be imported to this side. Over 50 corn trucks enter daily. I’m not sure about the exact number of sugarcane trucks. For corn, only those with existing valid permits can enter. Those with expired permits or new ones can’t enter,” said a local merchant from Pang Hseng.
This year, Chinese companies are buying sugarcane at 370 yuan (over 200,000 Myanmar Kyat) per tonne and corn at 1,560 yuan (over 900,000 Myanmar Kyat) per tonne with permits, according to locals.
In addition, each truckload of corn transported to Kyin San Kyawt gate in Muse Township is charged 2,500 yuan (about 1.5 million Myanmar Kyat) to Three Brotherhood Alliance for passage fees and miscellaneous expenses, according to local merchants in Muse.
“At Kyin San Kyawt, we have to pay 2,500 yuan in tax per corn truck to the 3BHA. China has a target quota of 100,000 tonnes for corn permits. Once the target is reached, they close the gate. When Kyin San Kyawt closes, they’ll open Mone Koe gate, and vice versa,” said a male merchant.
Border traders speculate that Yunnan provincial authorities may have unilaterally reopened these border gates for industrial raw materials like corn and sugarcane after discussions with the 3BHA forces.
Meanwhile, locals say that after China’s visible support for the military council, they continue to ban all imports through Myanmar-China border gates controlled by the 3BHA.
“I think it’s unfair because they are oppressing people living at the border. There are no imports now. If they keep it closed long-term, there won’t be food. From Kyalgaung, they only allow small amounts on motorcycles. They aren’t allowed to transport by truckloads. If it stays closed long-term, people will face livelihood difficulties,” said a local woman from Muse.
According to junta-run newspapers, Chinese authorities announced on 21 November that border gates controlled by armed ethnic groups would remain closed until stability is achieved through negotiations between the Chinese government and the military council, as promised to junta’s immigration and population minister U Myint Kyaing.
Similarly, during junta leader Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to China, the Chinese Premier stated on 6 November that they would continue working toward giving the military council full control over Myanmar-China border gates, as reported in the junta-run newspapers.
Sent by Shan News.