Myanmar’s civilian National Unity Government (NUG) said China’s moves to form a “joint security company” with the junta will not protect Chinese interests.
NUG spokesman U Kyaw Zaw posted on the NUG Facebook page: “We understand China’s concerns about the security of its investment and citizens amid the instability caused by junta actions in Myanmar.”
He said the regime could not safeguard Chinese interests and citizens. The violence and atrocities committed by the junta across the country and its supporters, who spread anti-Chinese sentiment, directly threaten Chinese investments and citizens, the spokesman added.
Beijing has proposed a “joint security company” with the junta to ensure the safety of Chinese projects and personnel. The proposal was seen as an indication of China’s lack of trust in the regime’s ability to protect Chinese interests and as an encroachment on national sovereignty.
The junta formed a working committee on October 22 to prepare a memorandum of understanding to establish a security committee. The committee is led by the junta’s deputy home affairs minister, Major General Toe Yi, and had 13 members, including the deputy police chief and defense, communications and transport ministry officials.
U Kyaw Zaw said its allied resistance forces safeguarded civilian infrastructure and foreign investment, including from China.
The NUG issued a statement in January vowing to safeguard Chinese economic investments and enterprises.
“We have made it clear that we will protect lawful investments to the best of our ability and actively proving this on the ground,” he said.
The NUG prioritizes Myanmar’s sovereignty and the interests of its people and is committed to fostering friendly relations with neighboring countries, he said.
U Kyaw Zaw said collaborating with the NUG and revolutionary forces – who stand with the people of Myanmar – is the only viable way to effectively protect Chinese investments and operations in Myanmar.
“We call on neighboring countries to support the people’s aspirations, contributing to peace and development in Myanmar and the region,” he told the media.
