War

Since mid July, security along the Sino-Burma border that used to be the main occupation of the Wujin (paramilitary police) forces had been taken over by the People's Liberation Army, said sources coming to the border.

"Some of the Wujin officers were transferred", said a businessman from Tachilek. "Others have been absorbed into the regular army."

An informed source from the Shan State Army "South" of Col Yawdserk confirmed the reports, adding that some 6,000 troops were being deployed opposite Muse and Kokang districts and another 10,000 in Xixuangbanna, opposite Wa and Mongla.

The sources, all from the business sector, however were unable to identify the reason behind the latest Chinese move.

"Their long-standing complaint has been the general unruliness along the border areas where drug trafficking, gambling and official corruption are the order of the day," commented a source.

Others speculated that America's listing of China's protege, the United Wa State Army, as a terrorist organization last year might have something to do with the PLA's move. "There are rumors Osma bin Laden's al-Qaeda members are taking refuge in the UWSA," mentioned another.

Newsweek 10 July edition, meanwhile, quoting reports from UN sources, says a General Mohammad Daud, a senior commander in northern Afghanistan has been operating several heroin labs with the assistance of Wa experts.