As reported by Burma Campaign UK, the state-owned aviation firm of China, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), provided the Myanmar military with eight new aircraft in 2024.
"Burma Campaign UK stated on January 27 that China sold these planes to the Myanmar military, fully aware they would be utilized to harm civilians."
The Burma Campaign UK also noted that intentional assaults on civilian sites constitute a breach of international law.
Consequently, Burma Campaign UK has urged pro-democracy groups to exert pressure on AVIC, the Chinese state-owned aviation firm, to cease its transactions with the Myanmar military.
AVIC is a significant state-owned enterprise that produces and markets military aircraft and aviation weaponry, in addition to offering maintenance services for military aircraft and armaments.
In early January 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce enacted sanctions on 10 prominent Chinese aviation firms, including AVIC, along with a major electronics corporation.
Airpower has become crucial for the survival of the Myanmar military, and as reported by Burma Campaign UK, its targeted and random bombing campaigns have caused the displacement of more than 4 million individuals since the coup.
Following the military coup, the Myanmar armed forces have conducted indiscriminate airstrikes across Arakan State, Sagaing Region, Magway Region, Mandalay Region, Chin State, Kachin State, Karen State, and Karenni State.
Locals say that airstrikes persist in hitting civilian villages, IDP camps, religious sites, and schools, even during periods without fighting.
Daw Aye Kyi, a Muslim woman hailing from Kyauktaw Township, shared with Narinjara News, “I am afraid of the junta's airstrikes targeting villages. When they hit, my heart feels tiny like an ant. I am extremely frightened; I am unsure if I will make it.“
Data from the National Unity Government (NUG) indicates that the Myanmar military conducted 444 airstrikes in 2020, rising to 1,160 in 2023.
The NUG also indicated that there were 2,648 airstrikes from January to late October 2024, with the annual tally of attacks increasing each year.
Thousands of civilians have died or sustained injuries due to these aerial bombardments.
Human rights advocates highlight that the military junta is progressively assaulting civilians with airstrikes as it loses dominance over additional regions.
Reports suggest that the military junta acquired a minimum of six fighter jets from Russia over the last year.