China is stepping up its support of Myanmar's embattled ruling junta, taking advantage of a global leadership vacuum in addressing the conflict.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted an elected government led by democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, sparking a resistance movement that began as peaceful protests and later evolved into an armed rebellion on multiple fronts.

Beijing has pitched a joint security venture to the Myanmar junta with China's geo-strategic assets at stake. The apparent alliance has soured ties with rebel groups, who now control most of the country.