Myanmar, China: Border Insecurity Threatens Political Interests

Five explosions occurred June 9 on Union Highway in Muse, a city located in northeastern Myanmar's Shan state. An important border crossing into China, Muse has risen in prominence as Beijing and Naypyidaw have enhanced economic and energy cooperation and development. But as the events of June 9 show, the region is susceptible to instability. An ongoing military offensive against a Myanmar rebel militia threatens to disrupt this newfound Sino-Myanmar cooperation, as does the proliferation of drug trafficking in the region. These security issues could jeopardize larger political interests for China and Myanmar and are unlikely to relent anytime soon.