Anti-coup protests in Myanmar hit out at Chinese investments

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Myanmarese protesters are turning their ire towards Chinese infrastructure and investment over the communist regime's support to the military coup.</p>
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Opposition to the coup in Myanmar is increasing despite the brutal use of force by the military junta. A <em>Reuters </em>report from Sunday says that nearly 38 people were killed in various anti-coup protests at various places in the country.</p>
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Reuters said that most of the people were killed at industrial areas that house Chinese factories, many of which have been set on fire. The protestors have begun to attack Chinese factories and have injured workers also. </p>
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Separately, the protestors have given out a call to boycott Chinese goods nationwide. Protesters are also carrying placards against China: "Myanmar coup, Made in China."</p>
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The Army-run <em>Myawadday television </em>has reported that security forces resorted to force after four garment factories and a fertiliser plant were set ablaze and about 2,000 people had stopped fire engines from reaching them.</p>
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The anti-China mood in the country is such that the Chinese embassy had to issue a statement: "China urges Myanmar to take further effective measures to stop all acts of violence, punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law and ensure the safety of life and property of Chinese companies and personnel in Myanmar."</p>
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The coup by the Myanmar military, also called Tatmadaw, against the democratically-elected Aung San Suu Kyi regime on the pretext of election malpractices has not gone well with the people. The popular leader has been detained since early March after the coup was effected but people have been pouring out on the streets.</p>
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The military says that the state of emergency will remain for one year and fresh elections will be held.</p>
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Increasingly, people are turning their ire not just at the military but also towards China, who they believe is supporting the coup leaders in controling IT services and in curbing the internet. China has been defending the military regime internationally before the UN and has called the coup a reshuffle of the government.</p>
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People have targeted the 770-km Kyaukphyu-Yunnan pipeline that connects the Burmese port of Kyaukphyu in the Bay of Bengal to China's Yunnan province. They have been protesting against Chinese support to the military in Yangon as well as Mandalay. </p>
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People are also resisting the revival of the Myitsone dam project, which they fear will deprive them of their lands. They fear that the military is planning to take over their lands in the name of the project.</p>
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For long, even the Myanmar government has been suspicious of Chinese investments in the country, which includes projects related to the China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC). The people had been opposing many projects under the CMEC fearing dispossession and displacement of lands.</div>
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Meanwhile, Myanmarese people are fleeing the country following a witch hunt by the military. Civil Society organisations have pleaded with the Indian government to give shelter to people crossing over into India, as many of them fear for their life.</p>