According to the Myanmar military, independent media, and local residents, there was minor damage caused by an explosive device at the Chinese consulate in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
The Associated Press reports that no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion that occurred on the 18th. China is a key ally of the Myanmar military, which overthrew democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 and is currently engaged in fierce battles with domestic resistance forces.
In a statement issued to reporters, the military government noted that the explosion damaged the roof tiles of the two-story consulate building. Security forces are conducting an investigation aimed at apprehending the “terrorists” behind the incident.
A nearby resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, told the Associated Press that security measures around the consulate, already stringent, were heightened following the explosion, and roadblocks were set up in the vicinity.
The National Unity Government, a parallel administration formed by Myanmar’s pro-democracy activists, also condemned the attack, stating their firm opposition to any actions that could provoke ethnic and religious conflicts.
China and Russia are key arms suppliers to the Myanmar military, with Beijing being the largest trading partner of Myanmar. China has invested billions in Myanmar’s mining, oil and gas pipelines, and other infrastructure projects.
