China has lodged a formal protest with Myanmar following an attack on its consulate in Mandalay, where an explosive device was detonated late last week, according to Chinese officials.
Beijing confirmed the incident occurred around 7:00 pm on Friday near the consulate in central Mandalay, close to the Royal Palace.
According to the AFP, the Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Lin Jian, expressed Beijing’s strong condemnation of the attack during a press briefing on Monday.
“China expresses its deep shock at the attack and sternly condemns it,” Lin said. “We have made stern representations to the Myanmar side.”
Local media in Myanmar reported that a grenade had been thrown at the consulate, damaging part of the roof of the two-story building.
Myanmar’s military government, which has been in power since overthrowing the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, blamed “terrorists” for the attack in a statement issued Saturday.
“A blast occurred, causing damage to the roof,” the junta’s statement said, adding that it was “cooperating with consulate officials” to investigate the incident and boost security.
While there were no casualties reported, China has urged Myanmar to take swift action. “We have urged Myanmar to thoroughly investigate the attack and catch and punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law,” Lin stated.
China has also demanded that Myanmar significantly enhance security measures around Chinese diplomatic offices, institutions, and personnel. “Authorities must ensure incidents like this never happen again,” Lin added.
Myanmar’s military has faced intense resistance from various ethnic groups and armed factions since its 2021 coup.
Analysts have noted that while China is a key ally and arms supplier to the junta, it maintains connections with some of the ethnic groups engaged in conflict with the military, particularly in the northern Shan state.
Following the attack, Chinese consular authorities issued a warning to Chinese citizens, enterprises, and institutions in Myanmar, advising them to “strengthen security measures and remain vigilant” due to the volatile situation in the region.
