What’s new? The Myanmar military’s 1 February coup d’état brought a sudden halt to the country’s democratic transition and showed disdain for the will of the people, overwhelmingly expressed in the November 202o elections which returned the National League for Democracy government in a landslide.
Why does it matter? The coup has arrested a decade of political and economic liberalisation. It has prompted almost universal outrage from Myanmar’s people, who have taken to streets across the country to demand its reversal. The military is unlikely to back down, and the risk of deadly violence against protesters is high.
Bidenâs Asian allies may balk at sanctions against Myanmar military
A number of them have extensive business interests in the country, a genuine belief in engagement, and a desire not to cede strategic ground to China
By Simon Denyer The Washington Post,Updated February 4, 2021, 5:39 p.m.
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Supporters of the military in Yangon, Myanmar, on Tuesday.THE NEW YORK TIMES/NYT
TOKYO â President Biden has vowed to rally the United Statesâ partners to respond to Myanmarâs military coup. But convincing Asian allies to support sanctions or moves to isolate the regime will be no easy task, given extensive business interests, a genuine belief in engagement, and a desire not to cede strategic ground to China.