Photo: VCG

Several Chinese-invested factories in Myanmar were smashed, looted or burnt by delinquents. We strongly condemn such barbaric acts. We strongly urge Myanmar side to stop this kind of crimes, punish the perpetrators and compensate Chinese factories for the losses. 

The violent attacks were apparently well organized and planned. One twitter account tweeted a warning to the Myanmar military government saying: "If one civilian killed one Chinese factory will become ashes." This verified account belongs to "Founder and Executive Director of Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)." BHRN, based in London, was founded in 2015. This is just one example of inflammatory instigations. 

This account openly takes Chinese factories as hostage of Myanmar situation. This is a serious crime. Twitter is supposed to suspend this account and the owner of this account should also be held accountable and face legal punishment. 

It's well known that China doesn't interfere heavily in Myanmar situation, meanwhile it tries its utmost to promote peaceful settlement of the crisis according to law. It's in line with China's diplomatic tradition. Almost all ASEAN member countries hold attitude similar to China's stance regarding Myanmar situation. China holds friendly ties with all parties in Myanmar. No matter which party holds power, Myanmar maintains friendly cooperation with China. 

Since the sudden change in Myanmar's situation last month, the US has asked China to condemn the actions and impose sanctions to the Myanmar military. This is not in line with China's consistent position. China will certainly not accept it. Actually, none of ASEAN members has the same attitude as the US and the West. Myanmar's neighboring countries have coincidently held the same stance with profound realistic reasons. This is in line with the moral principles of independence and autonomy of each country. The West has no right to point an accusing finger at them.

China is the strongest country in the region and we respect every country's handling of their own internal affairs. From a long term perspective, this basic policy has become an important condition for our neighboring countries to keep their independence and autonomy. All parties involved in the Myanmar hope China will support them, but if China really imposes its own position and interests on the country, it will go against the long-term wishes of Myanmar society. Therefore, even though some people are willing to see China intervene, they don't have any reason to justify such perspective. Using factories funded by China as hostage to maneuver in Myanmar's domestic struggles will never be permitted. 

Myanmar contributed to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which were born in Asia and are widely practiced in the continent. Various ethnic groups live in Myanmar, resulting in complex contradictions within the country. An active interference in Myanmar's domestic affairs will bring unbearable consequences. Because of the close proximity between China and Myanmar, if Beijing decides to intervene, it will start a nightmare in their bilateral relations. 

We strongly appeal those in Myanmar who want China to interfere in the Myanmar situation can keep a clear head and eye on their long-term independence and autonomy. The West is now publicly supporting the National League for Democracy (NLD), but they have previously fiercely blamed the NLD for the Rohingya issue. Aung San Suu Kyi's reputation has changed radically in the West's public opinion. China respects Myanmar people's right to handle their own affairs, and emphasizes a peaceful solution under the framework of Myanmar constitution and laws. This is China's sincere goodwill toward Myanmar.

Those who maliciously defame China and instigate attacks against Chinese factories are common enemies of China and Myanmar, they must be severely punished.