Chinese Workers Were Trapped And Injured As Factory Set Ablaze In Myanmar
Many Chinese workers were trapped and injured as fire broke out in two factories for garments that are primarily owned by Chinese and Taiwanese businessmen in Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone on Sunday afternoon, March 14.
The factories that were set ablaze include one of the biggest foreign-owned shoe factories by Taiwan investors, Tsang Yih and Global Fashion, a garment factory owned by Chinese investors, Industrial Zone official said.
"Some Chinese businesses' factories were looted and destroyed and many Chinese staff were injured and trapped," a statement from the Chinese embassy in Myanmar said.
The embassy also added that security should be guaranteed quickly, considering the situation as "very severe," and warned the Chinese citizens in the country to be vigilant.
The incident is being linked to the on-going Martial law in the country following the arrest of Myanmar's pro-democracy leaders Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and many others due to alleged election fraud.
Anti-coup groups and protesters are the alleged people behind the arson as the group had been criticizing China for not making enough effort in creating measures against the country's military take-over compared to the other Western countries who are condemning the violence and possible human rights violations happening in the country.
Spokesperson Chen Hai of the Chinese embassy in Myanmar said that China called on people in Myanmar to "express their demands legally" and should not undermine the friendly cooperation between the two countries.
"China urges Myanmar to take further effective measures to stop all acts of violence, punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law and ensure the safety of life and property of Chinese companies and personnel in Myanmar," he also said in a statement.
Although there are no specified perpetrators yet, the suspects allegedly set the factories and warehouses ablaze by smashing past security personnel, carrying iron rods, axes and gasoline.
On Sunday afternoon, at least three people were reported killed, and at least five people were wounded during the crackdown on protesters by police and the military in Hlaing Tharyar.