Chinese Support
China has consistently and unapologetically supported Than Shwe’s military regime in Burma through investment, trade, loans, and arms sales. China has also obstructed efforts to condemn or bring pressure to bear on the Than Shwe regime. Instead, it has supported the regime’s ‘7-Step Roadmap to Democracy,’ which included a May 10, 2008 referendum on a sham constitution - in the middle of the humanitarian crisis brought on by Cyclone Nargis.
- China is one of Burma’s largest trading partners - $1.21 billion total trade volume in 2005
- China is one of Burma’s largest investors - $2.1 billion invested by Chinese corporations, including state-owned entities
- Beijing’s leaders have given hundreds of millions in soft loans and economic assistance to Than Shwe’s regime
- China has sold over $2 billion in weapons and military equipment to Burma
Because of its vast economic relationship with Burma and its growing power in the region, China holds unequaled influence with Than Shwe’s regime. China should do all it can to use its influence to get the people of Burma the aid, development, and freedoms they so desperately need.
