China spent millions on this new trade route - then a war got in the way

The border between China and Myanmar, once a bustling area of trade and friendship, has transformed into a heavily guarded zone. In Ruili, a city on the border, a tall metal fence now stands where there used to be simple bamboo barriers. This fence, topped with barbed wire and equipped with surveillance cameras, cuts through fields and streets, marking a stark change in the relationship between the two countries. The friendly slogan 'One village, two countries' that used to describe Yinjing, a village on the border, now feels like a distant memory. The change began with strict pandemic lockdowns in China, but it has been solidified by the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which erupted after a military coup in 2021. The military regime in Myanmar is struggling to maintain control, especially in areas close to the Chinese border, where it has faced significant losses. This conflict has serious implications for China, which has invested millions of dollars in Myanmar to create a vital trade corridor. This ambitious project aims to connect China's landlocked southwestern region to the Indian Ocean, but the ongoing fighting has turned this corridor into a battleground. The situation in Ruili reflects the broader crisis. Li Mianzhen, a woman in her sixties, runs a small stall selling food and drinks from Myanmar. She used to sell clothes across the border in Muse, a town that was a major trade hub. However, the ongoing conflict has left many people in her town without enough money to buy anything. The military junta still controls Muse, but rebel forces have taken over other border crossings, making it difficult for people to earn a living. Li knows of individuals who have crossed the border to earn as little as 10 yuan, just enough to feed their families. The war has severely restricted travel, and most stories now come from those who have fled or found ways to cross the border, like Li. Her family remains in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, which is now under threat from advancing rebel forces. Li expresses her anxiety, saying, 'I feel like I am dying from anxiety. This war has brought us so much misfortune. At what point will all of this end? ' Another individual, Zin Aung, managed to escape to Ruili and now works in an industrial park that produces various goods. He is one of many workers from Myanmar who have been recruited by Chinese companies seeking cheap labor. Despite earning less than their Chinese counterparts, these workers find refuge in Ruili, away from the chaos of war. Zin Aung shares his experience, saying, 'There is nothing for us to do in Myanmar because of the war. Everything is expensive. Rice, cooking oil. Intensive fighting is going on everywhere. Everyone has to run. ' He sends money back home whenever he can, but he knows his family is struggling. The workers in Ruili find solace in playing football after long shifts, creating a sense of community amidst the uncertainty. The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has not only affected the lives of those who have fled but has also put China's investments and plans at risk. The future remains uncertain as the war continues to unfold.