Latest news with #UWSA
The Star
13 hours ago
- The Star
Chinese student in Myanmar scam freed after gang realises he has ‘bright future'
A student from northwestern China who was tricked into a scam in Myanmar was unexpectedly released after the gang learned he had a 'bright future'. Peng Yuxuan, 19, from Hanzhong City in Shaanxi province, had just retaken China's national college entrance exam known as the gaokao in June. His scores and intended university have not been disclosed. The Beijing News reported that Peng hoped to make some money over the summer holiday and went to Xi'an City with 800 yuan (US$110) from his family. He met a woman on a job-hunting app who claimed she was recruiting live-stream hosts. After telling Peng he was good-looking and could earn a lot, she offered to cover his travel expenses and flew him to Yunnan province in southwestern China. On July 1, Peng told his friend, Xiaojia, that he had arrived in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan, and that the woman who recruited him had booked his hotel. He stayed in touch over the next few days, insisting he was 'safe and free' and could 'make big money'. He avoided explaining what the job was and asked Xiaojia not to tell his parents. Xiaojia said Peng was constantly on the move, sharing photos of meals and live locations. On July 4, Peng shared a final location from Meng'a Port, a major border crossing in Pu'er city in southwestern Yunnan near the Myanmar border, and then went silent. Days later, Peng's mother called him, but a stranger claiming to be from Myanmar picked up. Fearing her son had been trafficked, she alerted the police. The case attracted national attention in China and sparked a police investigation in coordination with the Myanmar authorities. According to Hongxing News, after arriving in Yunnan, Peng was transferred more than 10 times before ending up in a scam compound in Myanmar. Though Peng was not forced to carry out any scams, his head was shaved. Eventually, the ringleader approached him, noting that he was young and had just taken the gaokao . The boss said he had a 'bright future' and did not belong there. Peng said: 'He told me they make money with 'conscience', so they let me go. He also told me to study hard and be good to my parents.' It is unclear how the gang knew Peng had recently completed the national college entrance exam. Myanmar soldiers drove Peng out of the compound and told him to find help from the United Wa State Army (UWSA). After getting out of the car, he met a man who gave him food, and medicine, then took him to the UWSA Judicial Committee and contacted the Chinese authorities. 'When I realised I was rescued, I was so happy. I was finally going home,' said Peng. On July 20, the UWSA in Myanmar handed over 20 Chinese scam suspects and 29 rescued individuals to Chinese authorities at Meng'a Port. Peng was among them. The story has attracted more than 100 million views on social media. One online observer said: 'Peng was lucky in an unlucky situation. That fraud boss was not acting out of kindness. They were simply trying to make their crimes look less serious.' 'Young people need to stay alert, especially students with little social experience. There is no such thing as getting rich overnight,' said another. Northern Myanmar has become a hub for telecoms fraud, with the United Nations estimating in 2023 that around 120,000 people were trafficked to work in scam call centres. Crime rings lure young people from China and nearby countries with fake offers of well-paid jobs, then trap them using threats and violence.
Deccan Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Deccan Herald
China's weapons of statecraft
China has become the world's fourth-largest arms exporter, commanding 5.8 per cent of global weapons sales between 2019 and 2023. While China slashed its own arms imports by 64 per cent over the past decade, it simultaneously expanded its weapons footprint to 44 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Apart from geographic expanse, the strategic footprint achieved as part of China's arms export strategy represents more than the mere logic of economics. Under Xi Jinping's military modernisation agenda, weapons sales are integral to statecraft to create dependencies, secure allies, and challenge Western influence in key strategic calculus behind the targeting of countries for arms sales and transfers coincides with the aspirations of making its military influence felt from the First Island Chain to the broader Indo-Pacific and beyond. China's strategic influence spans and dominates across the Indo-Pacific. As emphasised by President Xi, the move is aimed at constructing 'a common destiny of the Asia-Pacific'. .Between 2019-2023, 85 per cent of Chinese arms exports were concentrated in Asia. Pakistan, as an important all-weather ally, is a customer of China for 61-63 per cent of total exports. Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand are secondary markets for small arms and ammunition. Bangladesh is currently the second-largest buyer of Chinese weapons in the region. China's strategic rationale lies in building a regional sphere of influence, especially when India is steadily emerging as a competitor in the African expansion is in the sub-Saharan region, with 9.8 per cent of the total arms imports. It is overtaking Russia as a top supplier with a special focus on countries noted for weak governance and resource wealth. The weapons sale also seems to be integrated with the Belt and Road Initiative projects and military training programmes. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), strategic penetration is limited in the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia, as there is competition between Chinese and Western players. China has also expanded its presence in Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Argentina, and Chinese arms sales model is based on three core factors. It prioritises generating profits as per foreign policy considerations, adopts a centralised, whole-of-government approach resulting in control over whom (not) to engage, and shows intent to reflect responsibility through adherence to the existing non-proliferation and arms treaty compliance, Chinese arms transfers have been found in violation due to their supplies through illegal networks reaching rebel groups such as the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in Myanmar, ULFA in Assam, Maoist rebels in Nepal, and jihadist groups in Bangladesh. Such illegal transfers challenge China's commitment to existing international arms and dual-use treaties. Beijing accepted the accession to the UN Arms Trade Treaty (UNATT) in 2020, prohibiting signatory states from selling conventional arms to countries with the potential for genocide, crimes against humanity, or war emerged as the fourth most significant arms supplier to Africa in 1996-2000, reaching the second spot by 2013-2017, capturing 17% of Africa's entire market by 2017, just below Russia. China is still a non-signatory to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and exploits it through selling UAVs, including to regions under conflict. Beijing has also utilised its UNSC influence and declined to vote on key resolutions, including UNSCR 1706 in 2006, related to human rights violations and the extension of the arms embargo in Sudan. .The quality China's expansive presence, there exist certain structural limitations to its arms business. Over-reliance on Pakistan and other smaller countries may risk market concentration. Beyond that, there is limited competition within China's defence industry. Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure on several countries restrict Chinese arms sales. Chinese defence systems also lack the technological finesse in comparison with top-tier Western relatively cheaper and increasing share of Chinese-origin military equipment was also reported to have problems, including technical malfunctioning, export of defective equipment, and sub-optimal performance. During Operation Sindoor, Chinese-origin air defence systems with the Pakistan military became subject to poor performance against the Indian military. The lack of accountability to perform maintenance and repair is another concern. Chinese weapons sales also face scrutiny over end-user certificates as Beijing's flexible export policies often bypass stringent verification processes, raising concerns about the weapons' diversion in hostile conflict these drawbacks, Chinese arms exports are an attractive option for some countries. China provides a flexible option leading to a win-win for countries under sanctions, political instability, and marked for poor human rights records. For China, the challenge lies in matching the qualitative parameters, including operational, training, and maintenance of sold defence items, with its statecraft-supporting arms export strategy..(Sameer is director, Centre for Security, Strategy, and Technology at the Observer Research Foundation; Ankit is an assistant professor at the Rashtriya Raksha University; Rahul is a research assistant with ORF)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tin shipments from Myanmar's Wa State to resume after two-year ban
The International Tin Association has indicated that tin shipments from Myanmar's Wa State are expected to resume in the coming months, following a suspension that has lasted nearly two years, reported Reuters. This development comes amid speculation by traders that mining activities will recommence, which has already influenced global tin prices. Myanmar is recognised as the world's third-largest tin producer, with Wa State accounting for 70% of the country's tin exports. The United Wa State Army (UWSA), which governs much of Wa State, halted mining operations in August 2023 to conserve mining resources. International Tin Association senior market intelligence analyst Tom Langston said: "After limited progress in recent months – with the elevated licensing fees creating a stumbling block – we understand that several operators at Man Maw have now secured three-year mining permits." He highlighted ongoing strict controls on the movement of equipment and personnel as factors that could still affect the resumption of shipments. Ye Myo Hein, a senior fellow at the Southeast Asia Peace Institute, noted that the UWSA, associated with the ethnic Wa minority, has agreed a ceasefire with Myanmar's military rulers. The army maintains a force of between 30,000 and 35,000 personnel, equipped with modern weaponry primarily from China, he added. On Wednesday, tin prices fell by 1.6% to $32,775 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange, marking a three-week low. The market is also being impacted by rising London Metal Exchange tin inventories, which have increased by a fifth this year and are at their highest level since August 2021. In June, Chinese-backed militia took control of new rare earth mines in the Shan state in eastern Myanmar. China, the leading processor of heavy rare earths, depends on Myanmar for raw materials to produce critical components such as wind turbines, medical devices and electric vehicles. "Tin shipments from Myanmar's Wa State to resume after two-year ban" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Maverick
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Filling empty tummies in young communities on Mandela Day
Hunger is a reality in South Africa (SA) and so is unemployment, especially among the youth. Two organisations have partnered to fight these scourges on Nelson Mandela's birthday on 18 July. A women's shelter, a school, an orphanage and an early childhood development centre will be among the recipients of nutrient-dense food bars distributed by E2G FOOD (E2G) in honour of Mandela Day. E2G, a social enterprise that fights hunger worldwide, has partnered with United Way South Africa (UWSA) to deliver spirulina food bars to communities in SA throughout July. E2G produces these high-protein, immunity-boosting bars packed with minerals and vitamins that are designed for communities with limited access to nutritious food. The director of UWSA, Queen Mokonoto, says 500 to 800 youth in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, will be among the first recipients of these food bars. They will be distributed on a day that will also feature discussions about challenges the youth face, such as hunger, unemployment and finding ways to earn an income. 'One of the pillars of UWSA is education,' said Mokonoto. 'So with our youth empowerment we have a lot of entrepreneurial programmes, educational programmes. We'll be talking about how to apply for jobs, create CVs, look for employment, as well as how they can become entrepreneurs.' The global Mandela Day campaign encourages people to spend 67 minutes of their time to support a chosen charity or serve in their local community. The 67 minutes represent the number of years that Madiba spent in public service. Mokonoto says UWSA decided to collaborate with E2G because it would be a meaningful way to make an impact. In total, about 50,000 food bars will be distributed. E2G describes its Superfood Power Bar as being packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. 'The bars are made with natural ingredients including dates, oats, nuts and spirulina,' says its website. They have an 18-month shelf life and the packaging can be recycled. In addition to its Mandela Day campaign, the organisation has campaigns running in Ghana, Kenya, Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza, among others. It also has spirulina microfarms – modular farms built with local communities and funded by global donors – to boost nutrition, income and resilience. Spirulina is known to grow on non-arable land with minimal water, making it an environmentally friendly solution for food production. Youth job placements UWSA has a big youth focus in terms of addressing issues such as health, access to food and gender-based violence. In response to the country's youth unemployment crisis, it has a programme that has helped to create opportunities for youth to become economically active through formal job placements, learnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities. It also warns unemployed young people desperate to find work to be wary of job scams. 'We do human trafficking awareness programmes as well as workshops in schools, because you know that people are desperately looking for employment, especially the youth,' said Mokonoto. 'Somebody can come to you and say, hey, there's a role for you somewhere in Dubai or in New Zealand or the US. You need to be aware of what is going on and also what the chances of being trafficked are and how to prevent becoming a victim.' Focus on generosity Mokonoto says Mandela Day shines a light on the importance of generosity and philanthropy. 'The day is not only about looking back, looking at the history of South Africa, looking at where we come from, but looking at unity, creating unity. 'But at the same time to say, OK, how do we ensure people understand philanthropy? How do we ensure that people understand giving back? When you look at Mandela Day, it's not only about giving back to children. It's also about giving back to places such as homes for the elderly, orphanages and vulnerable areas.' Mokonoto has worked in various philanthropic endeavours over the years and says what drives her is making a change – even in just one person's life. 'I want to see every child having food. I want to see people grow. I like to see people developing and people really making a difference in others' lives, whether financially, through mentoring, coaching or whatever can make a difference.' Mokonoto encourages people to partner with, support or volunteer in organisations such as UWSA, and many others that do this work 365 days of the year. 'Because it's about being selfless. Because throughout the year we are looking at ourselves – how can I get money for myself? How can I generate things for myself? 'But Nelson Mandela Day reminds us that we can be human and look at how we can give back to the less fortunate.' DM
Asia News Network
7 days ago
- Business
- Asia News Network
Low-cost Myanmar rare earths feed China as border mines pollute Thailand
July 17, 2025 BANGKOK – When talking about Rare Earth Elements (REEs), a group of 17 essential metals used in high-tech applications ranging from smartphones to missiles, the global focus often shifts to China, the dominant player in the market. China controls 90% of the global rare earth processing market and leads in reserves, holding approximately 44 million tons in 2024—almost half of the world's known reserves, which total over 90 million tons. In contrast, the United States holds only 1.9 million tons in rare earth reserves and continues to rely heavily on imports. Other countries with significant reserves include Brazil (21.0 million tons), India (6.9 million tons), Australia (5.7 million tons), Russia (3.8 million tons), and Vietnam (3.5 million tons), according to estimates from the USGS for the same year. Interestingly, Myanmar is not listed among the countries with the largest rare earth reserves, despite intensive mining activities, especially in Shan and Kachin states. This clearly indicates that while Myanmar may 'produce' rare earth minerals, it does not 'own' the resources. It serves primarily as a transit point for initial extraction, with the minerals being sent to other countries, particularly China, for further processing. Myanmar Border Mines Surge The true source of China's rare earth dominance lies in Myanmar's border regions, where Shan and Kachin states are emerging as key centres for the mining of rare earth elements like terbium and dysprosium. These areas are experiencing rapid and uncontrolled growth in mining activities. In Shan State, rare earth mining has proliferated, particularly in the town of Poke, which falls under the influence of the United Wa State Army (UWSA). The number of mines has increased from just 3 in 2005 to 26 in 2025, an eightfold growth in just one decade. The mining technique used, 'ore leaching,' has led to chemical runoff contaminating major water sources, including the Kok and Sai rivers, which flow into northern Thailand. In the northern part of Myanmar, Kachin State, areas like Pang Wa, Manse, Momok, and Loy Ja have become intensive mining zones. In 2023, over 300 mines were operating, with more than 3,000 extraction pits. After the 2021 coup, production surged by 40%, and China purchased 41,700 tons of rare earth minerals from Myanmar within the same year. China's Investments in Foreign Mining Operations Interestingly, the process in Myanmar's Shan and Kachin states is not just about mineral extraction, but also reflects politics, ethnic relations, and the influence networks of China. Most mines are operated by armed groups or are supported by Chinese capital, with minimal oversight on environmental protection or human rights. China has strategically chosen to invest in rare earth mining abroad, particularly in Myanmar, as the Chinese government has tightened domestic regulations for several strategic reasons, including economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors. Moreover, China has declared that rare earth minerals are state-owned, and private entities have no right to claim them. Myanmar has become a target for private investors due to its relatively low regulation and enforcement, making it an attractive location for shifting polluting activities abroad. Meanwhile, processing and value-added operations remain in China. Additionally, mining costs in Myanmar are significantly lower. According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, the cost of producing heavy rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium in Myanmar is seven times cheaper than in China. This lower cost structure enables Chinese companies to compete more effectively in global markets, particularly in the electric vehicle and wind energy industries. Mines, Chemicals, and Rivers Pianporn Deetes, Director of Southeast Asia Campaigns at International Rivers, stated in an interview with Bangkok Business that the cross-border pollution crisis is severely impacting millions of people in Chiang Rai, who are facing risks to their lives and health due to heavy metal contamination, particularly arsenic, in the Kok River, which flows into the Mekong and Sai rivers. 'Local residents can no longer engage in traditional activities like fishing or operating tour boats, and farmers are worried that rice grown using water from the Kok River may be contaminated with arsenic, as rice tends to absorb arsenic well. Additionally, there have been reports of fish with unusual parasites, which correlate with mining activities disturbing the soil.' Pianporn criticised the Thai government's response as 'slow,' urging them to acknowledge this as the largest cross-border pollution crisis Thailand has ever faced and to take immediate action. 'The only solution is to halt mining activities.' She further called for the Thai government to urgently negotiate with Myanmar and China, using various measures, including economic, diplomatic, and even food-related pressures, to halt mining activities. 'If the soil continues to be disturbed and mining continues, the people of Chiang Rai will be 'slowly dying.' The restoration of rivers contaminated with heavy metals is extremely difficult and time-consuming, as seen with the unresolved issue of the Klity Creek contamination, which has persisted for over 30 years.'
