China Asks Myanmar Military Regime To Punish The Perpetrators Of Attacking Their Factories In Yangon

A Chinese-owned factory catches fire in Myanmar. (Twitter / @ YeeMonOo_04)

JAKARTA - China is disappointed with the destruction and burning of their factory in the Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone, Yangon, during clashes between anti-coup protesters and the Myanmar military regime, Sunday, March 14.

Apart from asking the Myanmar military regime to take the necessary countermeasures, China also asked the perpetrators to be punished according to the applicable rules.

"China urges (the military regime) Myanmar to take effective steps to stop all acts of violence, punish the perpetrators according to the law and ensure the safety of the lives of staff and property of Chinese companies in Myanmar", Beijing wrote via the Chinese Embassy on Facebook, as reported by Reuters.

On Monday, March 15, Chinese-owned factories were again targeted by Myanmar's military anti-coup protesters. The China Media Global Times said 32 factories that China had invested in were damaged in the attack on its factories in the Yangon region.

Two Chinese employees were injured and no fatalities were reported, with property losses totaling ¥240 million or about  $ 36.9 million, The China Media Global Times wrote in a post on its Twitter account, citing the local Chinese embassy.

Meanwhile, in its editorial, the Global Times asked the Myanmar military regime to punish those who attacked a garment factory in Yangon, because it was indicated that it was well-planned and organized.

"We strongly urge the Myanmar side to stop this kind of crime, punish the perpetrators and compensate the Chinese factories for their losses", wrote the Global Times as reported by The Irrawaddy.

It is known, the anti-Chinese sentiment is increasing in Myanmar, along with China's failure to condemn the Myanmar military coup on February 1, to use its veto power during the UN Security Council meeting, to only care about the businesses they have in Myanmar.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last week that all parties in Myanmar must remain calm and restrained, resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation within a constitutional and legal framework, and continue to advance the democratic transition.

"China will not change the course of promoting friendship and cooperation, no matter how the situation develops. On the contrary, Beijing will try to carry out reconciliation by involving all parties concerned", explained Wang Yi.

Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news surrounding the Myanmar military coup by tapping on this link.