Myanmar troops tell protesters to go home or be shot

[dong20]

I've been following this situation unfold for a while now and while China may have forced the Junta to exercise restraint so far - how far does its influence extend?

With its hand some considerable way up Yangon's ass and of course the Olympics just around the corner China would be well advised to exert more overt pressure, if only as a tactic to reduce any collateral damage should the situation turn (more) ugly.

With a hardening of attitude on the protesters and the known record of the Junta, a velvet revolution seems unlikely it's hard not to fear a recurrence, at least to some degree, of 1988 may on the cards.

Myanmar troops threaten to shoot | U.S. | Reuters

 

[warren84]

China will be exerting pressure behind the scenes as they have done with North Korea in the past.

The Chinese have huge oil and gas contracts with them and China is one of the few countries in the world that will deal with the regime in Burma, the other big players in Burma are Russia and India. China and Russia also supply weapons to the regime. The threat of losing a significant source of revenue as well as arms supplies should be an incentive not to violently oppress the demonstrators.

On the other hand, the junta may want to make a stand and assert their independence from outside influences - this would be a grave mistake as it would ensure that China, Russia and India would have no choice but to review their respective relationships with the government.

The last thing the Chinese want is a revolution on their doorstep. Thailand would also be keen to avoid any fallout from a potential civil war, given that anti-government rebels in the south would probably seek to take advantage of the chaos and launch attacks.


P.S. The military regime changed the name to Myanmar in 1989, and its recognized as such by the UN, but the democratic opposition prefer Burma as, in their view, the name change is as illegitimate as the junta.

 

[B_NineInchCock_160IQ]

I thought President Bush said this was happening in Burma.

 

[dong20]

I thought President Bush said this was happening in Burma.

It's easier to pronounce.

 

[SpeedoGuy]

Apparently the Myanmar government is shooting now. The thugs running the military will probably say marching Buddhist monks presented a violent threat to national peace and stability.

Myanmar: Nine dead in crackdown - CNN.com

 

[HazelGod]

I thought President Bush said this was happening in Burma.

Yeah, well...he also told us Mandela was dead, so... :biggrin1:

 

[D_Humper E Bogart]

Wait, we're asking someone else to talk to them?

I would have thought we would have declared them terrorists and began extermination campagin plans already.