More than 40 checkpoints along Myanmar-China border trade routes

Mekong, September 22 There are more than 40 checkpoints along the Myanmar-China border trade routes, including trade, customs, and inspection checkpoints, according to a report released in September by ISP-Myanmar. These inspection checkpoints are most concentrated along the main Mandalay-Lashio-Musee highway, which is the main trade route, according to ISP's findings. Looking at the control status of the checkpoints, it is said that most of the checkpoints along the Mandalay-Lashio-Musee route, which is the main trade route between Myanmar and China, are controlled by the military council troops and the Kokang armed group (MNDAA) respectively. The military council troops control the checkpoints in the sections of Mandalay to Naungcho, Kyaukme, Theetaw, and Lashio cities, while in the section between Theetaw and Lashio, there are checkpoints of the military council troops and the MNDAA. Although the military council troops have retaken control of Theetaw and Lashio cities, in the current situation, they are mainly controlling only the urban areas, and there are also controls by other armed groups in the sections outside the cities. There are MNDAA checkpoints along the route from Lashio to Muse 105 Mile Trade Zone, and the Muse 105 Mile Trade Zone is controlled by the Three Brotherhood Alliance (3BHA), according to the ISP study. In addition, the entire Theinni-Chin Shwe Haw trade route is also controlled by the MNDAA, and taxes related to trade are being collected along this route, according to ISP. "There are certainly around 40 checkpoints. There might be even more. Most of them have become places to create opportunities for collecting money rather than for security. Drivers know this best," said a driver from northern Shan State. In addition to the main trade routes, there are also checkpoints controlled by various armed groups on alternative routes used in northern Shan State and on routes passing from northern Shan State to southern Shan State. It has been observed that on the sections of Lashio-Mainyal and Lashio-Tanyin on the Mandalay-Yawngan-Keisuthu-Lashio route, the MNDAA and the military council troops have opened checkpoints in the form of collecting taxes. These routes are the main routes for the movement of goods and people between Mandalay and Taunggyi, as well as alternative routes that are used depending on the situation. However, ISP-Myanmar stated in the report that the available data and information are limited to accurately determine the number of checkpoints on these alternative routes.