Security forces killed at least 30 anti-coup protesters in the poor, industrial Hlaingthaya suburb of Myanmar’s main city and at other places on Sunday after Chinese-financed factories were set ablaze.
Anti-Chinese sentiment has risen since the coup, with opponents of the army takeover noting Beijing’s muted criticism compared to Western condemnation.
At Least 39 Reported Killed in Burma as Chinese Factories Burn
Security forces killed at least 22 anti-coup protesters in the poor, industrial Hlaingthaya suburb of Yangon, Burma (also known as Myanmar), on Sunday after Chinese-financed factories were set ablaze there, an advocacy group said.
A further 16 protesters were killed in other places, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said, as well as one policeman, making it the bloodiest day since the Feb. 1 coup against elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Chinese embassy said many Chinese staff were injured and trapped in arson attacks by unidentified assailants on garment factories in Hlaingthaya. The Chinese regime is viewed as being supportive of the military junta that has taken power.
Security forces shot and killed at least 51 people in Myanmar over the weekend as the nationwide protests against last month’s military coup carried on in cities and towns across the Southeast Asian country despite the junta’s violent crackdown.