After attacks on Chinese businesses, Myanmar imposes ‘full martial law’ in Yangon

Fires at Chinese-owned factories prompted China’s foreign ministry to issue a statement urging authorities to guarantee the safety of its citizens

Six people were killed in firing, while deposed leader Suu Kyi’s virtual court hearing was postponed after mobile data was blocked nationwide

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Fire from burning Chinese-owned factories in Myanmar’s industrial township of Hlaingthaya, on the outskirts of Yangon, is seen in the early hours of Monday morning. Photo: EPA

Published: 9:59am, 15 Mar 2021Updated: 6:42pm, 15 Mar 2021

Myanmar security forces fired on pro-democracy demonstrators on Monday killing six people, witnesses said, a day after dozens of protesters were shot dead and attackers torched several Chinese-financed factories in Yangon – prompting the junta to declare “full martial law” in parts of the commercial hub.

Coup leaders imposed the measure after the Chinese embassy asked authorities to protect Chinese-owned businesses and to guarantee the safety of its investments and citizens. Military-run broadcaster Myawady announced that more than 2,000 protesters blocked roads over the weekend to prevent firefighters from putting out fires at several factories in industrial zones, which included Chinese businesses.

Media said martial law had been imposed in Hlaingthaya and several other districts of Yangon, and in several parts of the second city of Mandalay.

“We wish that Myanmar’s authorities can take further relevant and effective measures to guarantee the security of the lives and assets of Chinese companies and personnel,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in Beijing.

The Global Times, a tabloid run by the Communist Party, said 32 Chinese-invested factories were “vandalised in vicious attacks” that caused damage worth US$37 million and injuries to two Chinese employees.

Japan, which has long competed for influence in Myanmar with China, said it was monitoring the situation and considering how to respond in terms of economic cooperation.

Supporters of detained democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi marched again, including in the second city of Mandalay and western town of Hakha, where the rallies were peaceful, and in the central towns of Myingyan and Aunglan, where police opened fire, witnesses and media reported.