In a quick-moving operation the Kachin Independence Army seized Kanpaiti — a vital trading hub near Chinese border thats known for its rare-earth mineral deposits. The military-controlled government lost control of this tech-minerals gateway (which supplies materials for high-tech products like e-car motors and wind-power equipment)
The well-planned take-over means Myanmarʼs military now holds just one border-crossing point in Muse; this weakens their grip on cross-border trade flows. The captured area includes mining spots that give China access to minerals needed for:
- wind-power systems
- electronic devices
- military equipment
- electric vehicle parts
The strategic north-eastern town had been a key money-maker for the government through its rare-earth exports — now its under complete control of anti-government forces. The border-trade dynamics in the region shifted dramatically‚ as Chinese buyers must now deal with new power-holders for these tech-critical materials