Some China-Myanmar border gates in Kachin State have reopened on the morning of December 13.
Regarding the reopening of some border gates, Colonel Naw Bu, KIO spokesperson, said: “I have not heard that all border gates have been reopened. The border gates in Mong Jar Yang and Laiza have been reopened, but people and vehicles are still not allowed to pass. The flow of commodities is also not permitted yet. I have heard that the bamboos used as barricades at the gates have been removed.”
The border gates on the China-Kachin border in Kachin State include the Laiza border gate, where the KIO headquarters are located, as well as the Lweje, Pang War, Kan Pike Ti, and Phi Maw border gates. The KIA/KIO controls all of these border gates.
A local from Pang War stated, “The border gate in Pang War was not opened until around 2:00 p.m. on 13 December. I heard that it will reopen soon.”
Regarding the situation of the border gates, Dr. Tu Hkawng, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation under National Unity Government (NUG), posted on his Facebook that all the Chinese border gates in Kachin State have reopened, along with a video file.
In the video posted on Facebook by Minister Dr. Tu Hkawng, KIO immigration officers are seen removing barriers at Chinese border gates in areas such as Mong Jar Yang, Laiza, Lwegel, and Pang War.
Since the start of battles to capture Kachin Special Region-1 and the Kan Pike Ti border town, both China and the KIA have closed the China-Kachin border gates.
After the KIA gained control of the border area, China invited the KIO to a meeting while the KIA joint forces are fighting to capture Bhamo, the second capital of Kachin State.
Both sides reopened the China-Kachin border gates at a time when a delegation led by General N’ Ban La, KIO Chair, arrived in Kunming, China, to meet with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
Sent by KNG.
