Myanmar is going to the polls. But it's not the people who hold the power it's China

"Myanmar's military has managed to regain momentum in its battle against a determined patchwork of opposition groups, retaking some territory, and pushing ahead with a widely condemned election that begins on Sunday. It is a turnaround for the military, which had appeared so beleaguered that some dared to question if it could collapse. Analysts point to China, and its shifting support, as one of the most important factors that has changed the dynamics in a five-year conflict that first erupted after the 2021 coup."

"Beijing has used border closures to put pressure on powerful ethnic armed groups in the north of the country to agree ceasefires, and even hand back territory to the military, as it has stepped up diplomatic support and continued weapon transfers. The newer drone technologies [introduced to the military] that's related to China, the pressure on ethnic armed organisations, reducing the amount of resistance that the junta was facing in the northern part of the country, that's on China, "

"China has also introduced the military into platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, boosting its international standing, added Tower. Civil war continues to rage across much of the country, with the military still unable to control vast areas of territory, but China's support has at least allowed it to regain some ground. Map of territory lost by the military junta since 2021 China is no particular fan of Myanmar's military, however. While it sells weapons to the junta,"

Myanmar's military regained momentum against opposition groups, retaking territory and advancing a widely condemned election. Analysts attribute the shift largely to China's changing posture and support. Beijing used border closures to pressure ethnic armed groups in the north into ceasefires and to return territory to the junta. China increased diplomatic engagement, continued weapon transfers, and facilitated access to international platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit. Newer drone technologies linked to China reduced resistance in northern areas. Civil war continues across much of the country, and the military still lacks control over vast territories.

Read at www.theguardian.com