Civil wars may not respect national boundaries. As civil war escalates in Myanmar, its consequences are being felt across the border in unexpected ways. In China’s Yunnan province, the city of Ruili has faced significant economic challenges. Once a thriving hub for trade and industry, the closure of border crossings, the collapse of trade routes, factory shutdowns, and the decline of the jade market have all weakened Ruili’s economic foundation. This article examines how a civil war within one state has profoundly disrupted the economy and social fabric of a neighboring country.
Author: Yaolong Xian
XIAN Yaolong is a Doctoral Researcher at PRIF. His research focuses on rebel governance, state-rebel relations, and legitimacy in conflict settings, with a geographic focus on Myanmar.
