One Chinese killed by bomb shot from Myanmar
- Source: Global Times
- [12:18 August 29 2009]
- Comments
"Thunderous roar of guns"
"We were playing Mah-Jong when we heard thunderous roar in the direction of Kokang on August 27. Later, many local people shouted that it was the thounder of guns. They climbed up the roof of buildings and saw the smoke over Kokang's sky. By now, the battle hasn't been over, which has caused some casualties", a local driver told our correspondent.
Chinese border guards strengthen observation to prevent the conflict from spreading to China. Armed police has divided Nansan into south and north security areas. Vehicles were not allowed to enter south area, however, local people could enter the area on foot.
Local residents extended their worries about the conflict. "War didn't break out in the past 20 years and many Chinese do business in Kokang. The fighting in Kokang will affect border trade. We hope the two sides should cease fire first, no matter what purpose they hold."
Escape with "China" on clothes
Clashes broke out between Myanmar government troops and the Kokang army earlier this month and many people have fled Myanmar in fear.
By Saturday morning, about 30,000 people, including ethnic Kokang and Chinese businessmen, had crossed over from Myanmar into China's Yunnan.
Yang Ye, a businessman from Sichuan Province who just succeeded fleeing back to China told the Global Times' correspondent that he put the word "China" on the front and back of his clothes during his escape so that Myanmar government soldiers would not shoot him but his relatives are still trapped in Kokang.
Refugees were settled in a residentail quarter under construction. Local government provided quilts, blanket, living subsidy for the refugees. Some refugees were settled in makeshift tents. Medical personnel were sent to provide necessary medical care.
China's border defense troops detained and disarmed a group of unidentified Myanmese as they attempted to cross the border into China's Nansan county, southwest Yunnan Province, around 10am in Saturday.
The group members are currently held in custody about 100 meters away from the border, according to Qiu Yongzheng, the correspodent of the Global Times.
China hoped Myanmar could properly solve its domestic issue to safeguard the regional stability of its bordering area with China, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu on Friday.
She said China was paying close attention to the development of this issue and had expressed its concern to Myanmar through the diplomatic channel. "We also urge Myanmar to protect the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens in Myanmar," Jiang said.
