Heavy Influx of Chinese Cargo Trucks Causes Difficulties Crossing Balamin Htin Bridge

Pajau Media

November 21, 2025

Due to the large number of 12 wheeled Chinese cargo trucks entering the area, residents report difficulties crossing the Balamin Htin Bridge, which connects Myitkyina and Waimaw, as the bridge is frequently blocked by trucks.

“Around 5 p.m. every evening, Chinese cargo trucks start coming in one after another to cross toward Myitkyina. At the bridge, soldiers and police collect money from them. At that time, the area becomes very busy and the road is blocked every night because of the cargo trucks. Sometimes, ordinary people have to help push the cargo trucks aside just to clear the road. From the Welcome sign all the way to the bridge, trucks are lined up. At evening rush hour, it takes a long time to cross the bridge,” a local resident said.

Locals also said that soldiers and police stationed at Balamin Htin Bridge frequently stop and check civilians crossing the bridge, forcing people to travel with caution. They added that the unlimited influx of Chinese cargo trucks has caused long traffic blockages, forcing residents to use detour routes. Because of this, locals want authorities to restrict the number of cargo trucks entering the city.

“It’s frustrating in the evenings when going home. The bridge closes at 7 p.m., so you have to hurry to cross before they shut it down. Sometimes, if they are in a bad mood, they stop and inspect you. Meanwhile, the cargo trucks also block the road, making it difficult. It would be better if they put a limit on how many trucks can enter,” said another resident from Maina.

According to local accounts, although the entry of large cargo trucks into Myitkyina city is officially restricted, truck drivers reportedly pay soldiers to bypass the limits, resulting in uncontrolled entry. This has caused significant inconvenience for civilians attempting to travel on the main road.

Although the Kanpaiti, Laiza, Loije, Manwin Gyi China-Kachin border trade gates were reopened on October 25, China has continued to allow only limited types of goods to be transported across the border, such as banana trucks, textiles, and construction materials, according to reports.

News: Pilan U