China Cuts Off Wi-Fi in Kachin-China Border Areas, Disrupting Daily Life

Pajau Media

March 17, 2025

Residents in Kachin State’s border areas, including Mai Ja Yang, Laiza, and Loije, are facing significant challenges after the Chinese side cut off Wi-Fi access, according to local sources. The shutdown has particularly impacted students, office workers, and locals who rely on the internet for daily activities.

“I haven’t had Wi-Fi for a long time here. I can’t use a VPN either. I can access the internet with a Chinese SIM card, but without a VPN, I can’t use Facebook, Messenger, or anything else. I can only use the Chinese app WeChat,” a local resident reported.

The internet restrictions began in early March, affecting Wi-Fi connectivity, though mobile phone signals remain operational. Only those with Chinese SIM cards can still use WeChat for communication.

Most people in the border areas depend on Chinese SIM cards and internet services provided by China. Currently, a Chinese SIM card costs 100 Chinese Yuan, equivalent to nearly 60,000 Myanmar kyats.

With Wi-Fi being the primary means of online access for students, office workers, and businesses, the outage has created significant disruptions, particularly for education and professional communication. Some residents have expressed concerns that phone signals might also be cut off in the near future.

News – Yaung Ni