The National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), the policy and strategy advisory body of the National Unity Government (NUG), has objected to the Chinese government’s ‘profound connection’ with Myanmar junta, viewing it as backing for the junta to continue oppressing people.
The NUCC said that China is making a one-sided relationship and closer ties with the military junta, contrary to the desire of people who play a crucial role in China’s long-term interest in Myanmar.
In its statement on 24 June, the NUCC also warned that China’s current approach could hurt Myanmar people’s feelings, and could create an adverse impact on friendly relations between people of the two countries because the Myanmar military has committed human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, killings, crimes against humanity, and war crimes after the coup in February 2021.
The NUCC also recognized the critical role of China in resolving Myanmar’s ongoing crisis as a geographically important neighbouring country and the highest investor in Myanmar.
The NUCC called for China to cease its military intelligence support and cooperation, to stop the sale of military weapons, and to make a practical approach as a good neighbour through close coordination with revolutionary and political forces, including the NUG.
As of 25 June, the Chinese government or Chinese embassy in Myanmar has not responded to the statement by the NUCC, which is comprised of elected parliamentarians, ethnic resistance organisations, political parties, on-ground forces, women organizations, youth groups, worker unions, representative committees and organizations of interim state and federal units, and employer organizations.
One month after the military coup in 2021, China condemned the Myanmar military’s violent attacks on civilians, suspended its investments and engaged with the officials of exiled National League for Democracy (NLD) government. However, its strategy changed. Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang recently visited Naypyidaw and expressed China’s support for the Myanmar military regardless of the situation. He also promised deeper economic cooperation and further support to Myanmar’s efforts “to maintain stability”.
Since the military coup, China has invested US$113 million in Myanmar.
Photo: This handout photograph taken and released on May 2, 2023, by the Myanmar Military Information Team shows Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing (R) and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang during their meeting in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: AFP
