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Myanmar
ChinaDiplomacy

Traders, Chinese investors watch for impact of Myanmar military coup

  • Person familiar with a China-backed telecoms project in Myanmar says it has been stalled after latest developments
  • But for some, the coronavirus pandemic is still the biggest worry for business

Reading Time:3 minutes
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Soldiers block the road heading to Myanmar’s parliament in Naypyidaw on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Linda Lew
People doing business between China and Myanmar say they are nervous about potential fallout from a coup staged by Myanmar’s army, having already experienced disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Myanmar’s military detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior politicians from the National League for Democracy party on Monday, and there have been reports of widespread phone and internet disruptions in the country.

China’s embassy in Myanmar issued a notice urging Chinese nationals and companies to monitor developments and be aware of risks, obey local laws, stay home and avoid taking part in any political activities or large gatherings.

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China is Myanmar’s largest trading partner, accounting for a third of the Southeast Asian nation’s international trade, and its second-largest investor after Singapore. Exports to China had already been hit by Covid-19 and the coup may have a further impact on trade and investments, according to members of the business community.

01:20

Myanmar’s army declares state of emergency after leader Aung San Suu Kyi detained during raid

Myanmar’s army declares state of emergency after leader Aung San Suu Kyi detained during raid

A person familiar with a China-backed telecoms project in Myanmar said it had been stalled by the latest developments.

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