Chinese-made FTC-2000G fighter jets have become a critical asset in Myanmar’s military campaign, amplifying airstrike capabilities in volatile regions such as northern Shan State. These jets, equipped to carry missiles, rockets, and bombs, have played a pivotal role in assaults on civilian and opposition-controlled areas, particularly near the Chinese border, according to observers.
A report by Justice for Myanmar and Info Birmanie highlights the jet’s use in attacks on civilian areas. On January 16, 2024, opposition forces successfully downed an FTC-2000G jet involved in an assault on the Namhpatkar region of northern Shan State. A month earlier, another Chinese jet bombed residential buildings near Namkham.
China’s Strategic Involvement in Myanmar’s Civil War
Dr. Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a Southeast Asia defense expert at the Lowy Institute, points out that China’s support for Myanmar’s junta reflects its strategic alignment. “China is clearly taking sides in the civil war,” Yaacob told VOA. “Supplying arms to the junta shows that China is not a neutral player in this crisis.”
While China’s provision of fighter jets grants the junta tactical advantages, experts believe this is unlikely to shift the overall balance. “An insurgency cannot be defeated by air power alone. The junta lacks sufficient manpower for ground combat, which remains their primary challenge,” Yaacob emphasized.
Beyond military assistance, China’s actions hint at deeper motives. Jason Tower, Burma Program Director at the U.S. Institute of Peace, suggests that China still views Myanmar’s military as the legitimate government. “China wants stability in Myanmar and is working to convince other international actors to recognize the military junta as the country’s ruling body,” Tower said.
Thomas Kean, a senior consultant at the International Crisis Group, agrees, noting China’s aim to broker stability and a deal between the junta and ethnic armed groups. “China is prioritizing its strategic interests and the stabilization of Myanmar,” Kean added.
Impact on Civilians and Global Outcry
The ongoing conflict, intensified by the use of Chinese fighter jets, has displaced millions. The United Nations estimates over 2.3 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the 2021 coup. Civilians have borne the brunt of the violence, with bombings targeting schools, hospitals, and residential areas, often without regard for civilian lives.
The international community has strongly condemned Myanmar’s military actions. Nicholas Koumjian, head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, told the U.N. Human Rights Council, “In many cases, civilians are not merely collateral damage but the deliberate targets of terror-inducing attacks.”
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Justice for Myanmar, have urged China to cease arms transfers to the junta, holding them accountable for exacerbating the crisis.
+ There are no comments
Add yours