Program Officer, Asia Division
Since the Myanmar military seized power on February 1, the Japanese government has expressed its “grave concerns” over the coup. It has called on the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, to “swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system,” and demanded the release of National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and all others arbitrarily detained.
Japan also expressed condolences for protesters killed by security forces, while “strongly” condemning the “violence against civilians.”
Such statements are important, but when compared with the concrete actions taken by other Group of Seven democracies, it’s clear that Japan is not yet using its full weight to pressure the Myanmar military. It has in effect taken a “wait and see” approach.
Japan’s ‘Values Diplomacy’ Runs Aground in Myanmar
Japan’s ‘Values Diplomacy’ Runs Aground in Myanmar
Myanmar military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (right) and Hideo Watanabe, chairman of the Japan-Myanmar Association (JMA), meet in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar, on Jan. 19, 2020. / Military Information Team
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By Jeff Kingston 24 February 2021
The Myanmar military’s unconstitutional coup d’etat to derail democracy, and subsequent killing of peaceful pro-democracy protesters, is awkward for Japan’s so-called values diplomacy. Aside from some mild diplomatic handwringing, Tokyo has confirmed that promoting values is not a priority in Myanmar and that it is not willing to sacrifice anything to protect or promote them. Across Asia, the Japanese government has no qualms in working with whoever is in power, raising questions about whether there is any substance to its values diplomacy or if it’s merely a branding strategy. Large protests in Tokyo b
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Myanmar nationals in Singapore express disbelief over military coup back home, worry about families Toggle share menu
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Myanmar nationals in Singapore express disbelief over military coup back home, worry about families
Myanmar military vehicles are seen inside City Hall in Yangon, Myanmar February 1, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer
03 Feb 2021 09:58PM) Share this content
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SINGAPORE: Some Myanmar nationals living in Singapore said they were shocked to hear about the military coup back home and are worried about their families.
Many told CNA they heard the news through social media and personal messages from friends and family.
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“When I got the first message, I didn’t believe. When I got the second message, I didn’t believe. I only believed it when I confirmed with the news,” said a 48-year-old man who did not want to be identified for fear of his family’s safety.
The Irrawaddy Business Roundup
By Zaw Zaw Htwe 23 January 2021
Yangon This week Myanmar received 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses provided by the government of India as the very first vaccines from abroad. The government is planning to vaccinate its healthcare workers on the COVID-19 frontline and government staffs and members of parliaments by next week.
Also this week, Myanmar discussed the expansion of Japanese investments in the country and the promotion of military relations with the Japan-Myanmar Association. Meanwhile Myanmar approved four investments including a new Japanese investment in Yangon.
Myanmar inked a power purchase deal with a Thai company and Myanmar Tourism Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to assist the restaurant and tourism development sectors impacted by COVID-19.