Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray) — A Chinese delegation is set to hold private negotiations with the Arakan Army (AA) regarding the security of a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) railway project.

The strategic rail line is aimed to connect Kunming in  China with  the deep-sea port of Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State of Myanmar.

On 13 April, Chinese officials met with representatives from the Myanmar military council and several ethnic armed organizations including the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP). The meeting took place at the northeastern military command (Ramakha) in Lashio of northern Shan State.

While initial reports were conflicted regarding the participation of AA representatives in the group summit, the military sources confirmed that the Beijing administration now wants to engage with the AA separately.

“Initially, it was unclear about the  AA’s  involvement, but given the ongoing clashes in Kyaukphyu, Beijing now seeks to have a specific and private dialogue with them,” stated a local military source, adding  that the railway projects in Kyaukphyu will need the AA’s cooperation.

Beijing is also planning to restart the construction on Kunming-Kyaukphyu railway by May this year. This project is a cornerstone of China's strategy to gain direct access to the Indian ocean from Yunnan province. Essential machinery and construction equipment have already been shipped to Myanmar.

However, the route remains volatile. While the MNDAA maintains positions near the Muse border and Namtu, the SSPP has recently reinforced its presence in Nar Kaing, a strategic area bordering Namtu and Hsipaw townships along the planned railway corridor.

The ambitious 1,500-kilometer railway line is expected to cost approximately US$ 8.9 billion. According to the Chinese media outlets, the infrastructure plan includes  124 bridges, 60 tunnels and 11 power plants.

Three separate military sources confirmed to Narinjara News that China’s current diplomatic push with both the junta and ethnic armed forces is a direct effort to create a security corridor to  their projects even though Myanmar continues to witness internal conflicts.