June 8, 2024
The Arakan Army (AA) is currently engaged in discussions with Chinese officials regarding investments in Rakhine State, according to AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha, who announced this during a press conference held on the morning of June 8.
Following a high-level meeting between the junta and three ethnic armed groups in northern Shan State, AA and Chinese officials have continued to discuss Chinese investments in Rakhine. Notably, these investments include the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor in Kyaukphyu and the China-Myanmar natural gas pipeline passing through Rakhine.
In order to ensure the safety of these investments, AA and China have reached agreements to protect them from conflicts. This is particularly relevant as AA has been actively engaging in attacks on junta positions.
On December 26, 2023, during the ongoing conflicts, a supplementary agreement for the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port project was signed between China and the junta. U Khaing Thukha reiterated that AA maintains a strong policy to safeguard investments in Rakhine State.
Currently, AA aims to secure control over the remaining townships of Maungdaw, Sittwe, Taungup, Thandwe, Kyaukphyu, Gwa, Ann, and Manaung, with the goal of fully liberating Rakhine State.
