Private Militias Guard Chinese Infrastructure in Rakhine State

The strategic town of Kyaukphyu in Myanmar’s Rakhine State is under the control of the armed insurgent group Arakan Army (AA). The skies above this important seaport near the Bay of Bengal are almost always patrolled by Chinese drones. Occasionally, the sound of sniper fire is also heard. The rebel Arakan Army’s positions are just five kilometers away. However, there is no visible presence of China’s official military forces in the area. Instead, a private Chinese militia group is tasked with security duties.