Myanmar's Oppressed Minorities (Part 2)

In today's article, we are continuing our look at Myanmar's oppressed ethnicities.  If you missed previous articles, click the following links:
Preview
Part I 

Today the spotlight shines on Myanmar's Shan State, where both the Shan and Kokang people live and where both face Myanmar's brutality.

Part 2: The State of Shan

Shan
It is not just religious divisions that lead Myanmar to torment its minorities.  The Shan people, like the majority of Myanmar's citizens, practice a form of Buddhism heavily influenced by animism. Though religiously similar, the Shan comprise about one-tenth of Myanmar's population and have demanded increased autonomy.  To achieve this, the Shan created one of the most staunch military groups resisting Myanmar's government.  Fighting between the two often creates high civilian casualties and has forced many to flee to neighboring Thailand, China, and Laos.

Kokang

Kokang region of Shan state shown in green

A minority group mostly residing within the Shan state, the Kokang also share similar religious beliefs, but, situated near the Myanmar-Chinese border, many feel a closer connection with China than with their own nation.   Most speak Chinese and even use Chinese currency.  Conflict between the national military and Kokang rebel armies has strained relations between China and Myanmar.

Thanks for reading.

Image Attributions:

Myanmar states map: By Aotearoa - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1234889

Kokang map: By Certes - From File:MyanmarShan.png by Morwen and File:Shan-kokang.png by Jolle., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7742661