China faces fresh conflict on its doorstep

Clashes in Myanmar close to China's border could endanger Beijing's multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project, the Belt and Road Initiative, in the region, as well as the main trade route between the countries, experts have told Newsweek.

China sent its Assistant Foreign Minister, Nong Rong, to Myanmar to call for calm, following clashes between armed groups and the military government led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, which seized power in a coup in February 2021 and has faced resistance ever since from pro-democracy groups.