An explosion caused minor damage last Friday night at the Chinese consulate in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city, without any casualties, the authorities said on Saturday, calling it a “terrorist” act.

Security determined that there had been an “explosion”, announced the military regime, which seized power in a coup d’état in February 2021, in a statement blaming “terrorists”.

“Approximately 60 cm” of roof tiles of the two-storey property suffered “damage”, according to the junta’s announcement.

An investigation is conducted in coordination with the diplomats of the consulate, always according to the regime.

An official in Mandalay confirmed to AFP yesterday that there was “an incident at the Chinese consulate (…) late at night”.

“We didn’t have anyone injured,” the official reassured, without specifying the nature of the incident.

According to the Irrawaddy newspaper, a grenade was hurled at the building, which is generally guarded by security forces.

China’s embassy in Rangoon did not respond when asked about the incident by AFP.

China is among the few international supporters of Burma’s erstwhile military regime: it notably supplies it with weapons. He has backed his plan to hold new elections so the country, torn by civil war since the coup, can begin a “transition to democracy”.

Analysts note, however, that at the same time, Beijing maintains open channels with armed minority rebel organizations operating in Myanmar.