China Blocks UN Security Council from Condemning Myanmar Coup
China Claims That Their Decisions to Block Security Council Commendation Were Made as a ‘Friendly Neighbour’ to Myanmar
China prevented the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from criticising a military takeover in Myanmar during a meeting on February 2nd. The UNSC has expressed concern over “democratic tradition” in Myanmar and called for the “immediate release” of political prisoners in a statement released on February 4th, but has refrained from outright condemnation or the use of the word “coup”.
As one of the 5 permanent members of the 15 total countries that make up the Security Council, China has the ability to block any proposal it wants to, which is also known as a “veto power”.
China sees Myanmar as economically important, and is one of its biggest foreign investors as well as its largest trading partner. It has traditionally protected the country from criticism within the UN, such as during the Rohingya refugee crisis. It has also claimed that international pressure would only worsen Myanmar’s situation.
It has released a statement separate from the UN referring to itself as a “friendly neighbor” of Myanmar. It has called for “all parties” to “put the aspiration and interests of the people first”, and urged a “positive outcome” to result from the Security Council statement. Chinese media also referred to the coup as a “major cabinet reshuffle”.
Myanmar’s military have declared a state of emergency and since seized power on the basis of alleged election fraud. Leader Aung San Suu Kyi was detained along with other members of parliament. She has been charged with illegal importation of communications equipment after a search of her home revealed walkie-talkies. She has not been sighted since the coup.
Written by Sarah Chong
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