This development indicates the insecurity of current regime leader Min Aung Hlaing who has suffered significant battlefield defeats in recent months including the loss of tourist hub Ngapali beach and the important Ruby-Jade mining town of Mogok just yesterday to anti-junta groups. Former dictator Than Shwe is considered a mentor to Min Aung Hlaing. Than Shwe was the one who placed Min Aung Hlaing as chief of staff of the military. Former president Thein Sein had just returned from a recent official visit to China, weeks after receiving an unusual and publicized visit by Chinese Ambassador to Burma.