Arakan Army and Junta forces fighting for control of Kyaukphyu area is a critical clash point to watch. Kyaukphyu port is crucial to Chinese economic initiatives as its economy has been stalling in recent years.
Junta boss MAL has buckled to Chinese pressure by allowing Chinese troops into Burma under the guise of "security services". They are allowed to "protect" Chinese interests anywhere in the country. As conflict escalates in Arakan State where Kyaukphyu port is one of a few areas remaining under Junta control, will Chinese troops engage in combat on Burmese soil against Burmese combatants to protect the port? This will bring China deeper into Burma's internal conflict where it is already deeply involved on both sides of the conflict.