Social Media and Street Protests: Myanmar’s Pushback Against Chinese Influence

On April 2, Myanmar’s military opened fire on a Chinese Red Cross convoy of vehicles headed to Mandalay, one of the areas hardest hit by the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake, to deliver relief supplies. Armed rebel group the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) alleged that the military used heavy machine guns to fire on the convoy as it passed through Nawnghkio Township in northern Shan State. But the military claim the convoy failed to inform them of its route and failed to stop when ordered, leading to the firing of warning shots.

While some sources suggest this may have been an unintended incident, the exact cause remains unclear. What remains undeniable is that Chinese interests continue to face attacks within Myanmar. China’s active involvement in Myanmar’s internal conflict—including its support for both the military and armed resistance groups—further intensifies tensions.