Chinese security firms in Myanmar risk escalating civil war and diplomatic tensions

The deployment of Chinese security companies in Myanmar to safeguard Beijing’s economic and strategic interests risks drawing Chinese nationals into the nation’s civil war, potentially leading to deadly incidents and diplomatic crises, analysts warn.

Experts say Chinese security personnel will face “massive challenges” in persuading armed groups in Myanmar to allow Chinese projects to resume, particularly since many are located in areas currently controlled by the opposition.

Recent media reports from the mainland and Myanmar suggest that China plans to establish a joint security company with Myanmar’s military regime to protect its projects and personnel. On October 22, the junta formed a committee to draft a memorandum of understanding for this initiative. The BBC-Burmese Service report noted that there are already four Chinese private security companies operating in Myanmar.

This proposal follows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Myanmar in August and the first visit to China by Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, earlier this month.

Adam Simpson, a senior lecturer at the University of South Australia, said having Chinese private military corporations undertake security operations creates a high likelihood of Chinese nationals being caught up in the civil conflict and possibly killed.