The Chinese consulate in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, reportedly faced an explosive device attack on Friday evening. This incident comes amid reports of junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing planning a state visit to Beijing.
According to reports, the blast happened at the consulate on 73rd Street in Chanmyathazi Township around 7 p.m. local time. A junta officer mentioned that a grenade exploded on the consulate roof. The Associated Press confirmed damage to the roof tiles of the two-story consulate building. Security forces are now investigating to apprehend the perpetrators.
The area around the consulate was cordoned off, and thankfully, there were no reported casualties. The attack likely stems from increasing anti-Chinese sentiments in Myanmar following news of Min Aung Hlaing’s upcoming visit to China.
Last week, reports indicated that China was preparing to host the junta chief later this month. If confirmed, this visit could signify a significant shift in China’s stance towards Myanmar’s conflict situation.
Despite being a major arms supplier to Min Aung Hlaing’s regime, China has mostly kept a diplomatic distance from the coup regime. However, recent developments show a possible change in China’s approach due to the deteriorating military position of the junta in various parts of Myanmar.
Recent actions by China, including increased support for the junta, suggest that a collapse of the military regime would not align with China’s strategic interests in Myanmar. The attack on the Chinese consulate in Mandalay could be linked to this growing Chinese support for the junta.
China’s involvement in Myanmar has been a source of suspicion and concern, both among the public and within the military ranks. The attack on the consulate highlights the potential consequences of increased Chinese backing for the junta on China’s image among anti-junta factions.
It remains to be seen how this negative sentiment towards China will impact its strategic objectives in Myanmar, as various political entities have expressed willingness to cooperate with Chinese interests in the country. However, Chinese policy in Myanmar would need to navigate carefully to avoid further alienating the Myanmar public, particularly in areas like Mandalay where anti-Chinese sentiments are prevalent.