Police are running to protesters to disperse a demonstration that took place against the military coup in Yangon on March 3, 2021.
STR | AFP | Getty Images
The United States on Thursday imposed trade sanctions on Myanmar’s military regime, a day after security forces killed dozens of people on the deadliest day of violence since a coup ousted the country’s civilian leaders last month and triggered national protests.
The Department of Commerce imposes export controls on Myanmar’s Ministry of Defense and Home Affairs, as well as two corporations closely associated with the military – Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holding Limited. Myanmar is also now subject to trade restrictions on certain sensitive items for military use.
“Trade is looking at potential additional measures, as justified by military action,” the department warned in a press release on Thursday afternoon. “The US government will continue to hold the perpetrators of the coup responsible for their actions.”
Myanmar security forces killed at least 38 protesters on Wednesday, according to the United Nations. The violence is part of a military campaign to crush demonstrations nationwide, calling for the release of civilian leaders who were ousted from power and detained on February 1.
Myanmar citizens are holding a candlelight vigil outside the United Nations in memory of the anti-coup protesters who were killed in Myanmar on March 4, 2021 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lauren DeCicca | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Authorities in Myanmar have also targeted members of the media covering the protests. Associated Press journalist Thein Zaw and five other members of the media have been arrested and charged with violating a law and order this week.
State Department spokesman Ned Price called for the regime to exercise “maximum restraint” and warned the military that the United States would take further steps to answer for the detention of journalists and violence against protesters.
“This latest escalation of violence shows that the Juntas have completely ignored their people,” Price told a news briefing on Thursday.
“We will continue, as I said, to work with the international community to take significant action against those responsible, there will be further action by the United States,” Price said before Commerce announced the new trade sanctions.
Myanmar citizens are holding a candlelight vigil outside the United Nations in memory of the anti-coup protesters who were killed in Myanmar on March 4, 2021 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lauren DeCicca | Getty Images News | Getty Images
President Joe Biden issued executive orders last month imposing sanctions on military leaders who led the coup. The New York Federal Reserve has blocked an attempt by the country’s military leaders to move $ 1 billion in funds a few days after they took power, according to a Reuters report.
On Thursday, the State Department again called on China to use its influence in Myanmar to help restore the country’s civilian government. US and Chinese officials have spoken several times about the situation in Myanmar since the February 1 coup, Price said.
“We have urged the Chinese to play a constructive role in using their influence in the Burmese army to end this coup,” Price said.
China, which has close ties to Myanmar, last month blocked the United Nations Security Council from issuing a statement condemning the coup.
Burmese activists say they are determined to continue participating in protests in support of democracy, despite violent repression.
“We know we can always be shot and killed with live bullets, but it makes no sense to stay alive under the reeds, so we choose this dangerous path to escape,” activist Maung Saungkha told Reuters.