Myanmar military losing grip near Chinese border

BANGKOK/YANGON -- Clashes between Myanmar's military and armed ethnic groups appear to be continuing days after the announcement of a Chinese-brokered truce, raising concerns over a breakdown in the military chain of command.

The Myanmar military had withdrawn in early January from Laukkai in Shan, a state on the border with China, amid the ongoing conflict. Armed groups have also taken over military facilities in other Shan towns that serve as cross-border trade hubs.