China says lodges protest with Myanmar over consulate attack

China has lodged a protest with Myanmar authorities following an explosion at Beijing’s consulate in Mandalay.

The country, a major ally and arms supplier to Myanmar’s junta, has made stern representations to the Myanmar side. China maintains ties with ethnic groups fighting the military in Myanmar’s northern Shan state.

The blast occurred at the consulate office in central Mandalay, south of the Royal Palace. The junta blamed “terrorists” for the incident, which it is investigating in cooperation with consulate officials.

China has called on Myanmar to thoroughly investigate the attack and “go all out to catch and punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law.” China has also called on authorities to step up security for Chinese consular offices, institutions, projects, and personnel in Myanmar to prevent such incidents from happening again.