Myanmar military fires shots at Chinese Red Cross relief convoy
- The Myanmar military has fired warning shots at a Chinese Red Cross convoy delivering aid after the recent earthquake.
- Over 2,886 people have died, and many regions are reported to be difficult to access due to ongoing conflict.
- Humanitarian organizations urge for unobstructed access to aid in order to provide relief to millions affected by the conflict and disaster.
In Myanmar, following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that occurred on March 29, 2025, humanitarian aid efforts faced considerable challenges amid ongoing civil war conflicts. The military government, which seized power in a coup in 2021, struggled to manage an increasingly violent situation, exacerbated by the recent earthquake that resulted in a rising death toll. Reports indicate that as of now, the death toll has surpassed 2,886, with thousands more injured, particularly affecting the Sagaing region, known to be under the influence of armed resistance groups opposing the junta. Access to emergency relief has been critically hampered by regime restrictions, internet blackout, and active conflict on the ground, making it tough for aid agencies to function effectively. Relief efforts are vital for the affected population, as over 28 million individuals live in the regions hit hard by the earthquake, yet humanitarian organizations and foreign governments face significant barriers to supply crucial assistance. Amid this chaos, the Chinese Red Cross organized a convoy carrying relief efforts that was fired upon by Myanmar troops as they attempted to aid those impacted by the disaster. The military claimed that prior notice of the convoy's route was not communicated, leading to the warning shots being fired after the convoy failed to stop when commanded. Despite China's foreign ministry's statement confirming that the convoy and its passengers remained unharmed, the incident highlighted the precarious nature of delivering aid in such volatile circumstances. Aid agencies and the international community have since called for better access to affected areas, with many urging the junta to allow unfettered aid access and improve coordination. However, ongoing military actions, including airstrikes, have continued to pose threats to both civilians and relief mechanisms, raising concerns about the efficacy of assistance efforts, especially in conflict-torn regions.