Myanmar: Conflict in rare earths mining area of Kachin state leads to death of civilian, including children; China reportedly puts pressure on parties involved to subside fighting
"Exclusive: Why China's ultimatum to Myanmar rebels threatens global supply of heavy rare earths", Reuters, 8 July 2025
The Kachin Independence Army since December has been battling the junta over the town of Bhamo, less than 100 km (62 miles) from the Chinese border [...].
China [...] has threatened to halt buying the minerals mined in KIA-controlled territory unless the militia stops trying to seize full control of Bhamo [...].
A senior KIA general did not respond to a request for comment.
Beijing is not seeking to resolve the wider civil war but it wants fighting to subside in order to advance its economic interests [...], said [...] an independent Myanmar-focused analyst.
[...] the junta retains air superiority and has devastated large parts of Bhamo with relentless airstrikes [...].
Airstrikes have killed civilians including children and destroyed schools and places of worship, according to [...] a Kachin activist from Bhamo who said her home had been bombed.