Myanmar military offensive targets land for Russia-backed port project
Hundreds of troops have been deployed to clear areas marked for a Russia-backed special economic zone in the country's south.
Myanmar's military has been actively clearing land earmarked for a Russia-backed special economic zone in the country's south, according to resistance fighters and a local activist with firsthand knowledge. The offensive surrounding the Dawei Special Economic Zone, which includes a proposed deep-sea port and power plant on the Andaman Sea, is a clear indication that the military-backed government is resorting to force to revive the project.
This initiative is seen as a strategic alternative to the strategic Strait of Malacca. The military's aggressive actions coincide with a diplomatic effort to promote Dawei as a potential gateway to South and West Asia. Dawei's potential as a gateway to this region was highlighted by the junta chief-turned-President Min Aung Hlaing during a visit to Thailand and subsequent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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