Violent fighting between Myanmar’s military regime and ethnic Arakan Army (AA) overst the border near the China-backed Kyaukphyu deepwater port has displaced at least 4,000 civilians, local aid agencies report.
Clashes have intensified in western Rakhine state, where Beijing has sunk an estimated $9 billion into infrastructure like oil pipeline and power plants. The fighting, which started last month, has brought Kyaukphyu to the front lines of the conflict, with both the junta and the AA fighting for control over the key area.
“About 10 villages that surround the area of fighting are now a place of relocation for the fighters, Aung Aung, a representative of the local rescue committee, said. “So far, about 4,000 people have been uprooted”. Aid agencies say that the total of displaced people in the area now is over 15,000, are desperate for food, medical aid and shelter. 
Despite project having largely stalled over conflict, Kyaukphyu is also host to a Chinese built power plant and natural gas pipeline. The fight for the resources motif the wider Myanmar civil war, where ethnic militias and pro-democracy forces vie against the junta.
With over 500,000 displaced in Rakhine, the humanitarian crisis remains escalating. Neither junta or AA has given official comments to the ongoing violence, while China keeps a close eye on it to see things which is impacting its regional trading goals.
