Linn Maung
The first visit by a senior member of the Chinese government after the coup, Qin Gang’s, was met with a wave of protests across Myanmar, delivering a strong message that China’s involvement with the military dictatorship is unacceptable.
Demonstration at Letpadaung, Sagaing Region, where a contentious copper mine backed by China is located, protesters degraded Qin Gang’s images and set fire to the Chinese National flag. Similar demonstrations were held in Magwe, Yangon, Mandalay, and other parts of Sagaing, where resistance groups burnt Chinese flags and images of Qin and junta leader Min Aung Hlaing while hoisting banners pleading with Beijing to stop “ supporting fascist criminals” and to “ respect the Myanmar people’s voice.” An anti-regime organisation called General Strike Coordination Body (GSCB) declared that resistance forces in Myanmar would step up protests against China’s cooperation with the despised military government. According to GSCB, people will continue to organise anti-China protests not just in Myanmar but also abroad with the help of the Myanmar diaspora as long as the Chinese government continues to publicly back the regime.
Qin met with the leaders of the junta, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and Retired Gen. Than Shwe, during his visit, and he made a commitment to deepen practical cooperation in the economy and livelihood and support Myanmar’s efforts to uphold stability, revitalise the economy, improve the lives of its citizens, and achieve sustainable development. However, the people of Myanmar are aware of what really went on behind the scenes.
Qin also expressed hope for the continuation of Myanmar and China’s long-standing “ pauk-phaw” friendship, the two countries’ unique word for their bond. The most recent demonstrations highlighted the widespread discontent about China’s support for the military junta that overthrew the government in a coup in February 2021 and its engagement with it.
China has gradually recommitted to full military intervention in thein the pursuit of its primary strategic objectives in Myanmar, particularly its steadfast goal to establish an overland transportation route connecting Yunnan province with the Bay of Bengal coast of Myanmar. Sunch engagements reveal that Beijing appears to be acting as though the coup never took place.
Beijing’s accommodating approach entails some hazards. The demonstrations this month indicate that China’s reputation, which has never been good even in the best of times, is reaching new lows among the nation’s resistance and a sizable portion of the general people. If the National Unity Government of opposition wins its battle, China will be held responsible for assisting a ruthless military dictatorship.
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