U.S. SUSPENDS TRADE WITH MYANMAR AFTER KILLING SPREE
The US, currently led by the Biden Administration, is taking a big step forward by suspending trade with Myanmar in late March 2021, following the gruesome killing of civilians. A military coup has overthrown the government and is now on a rampage against innocent civilians.
Protests against the Myanmar coup.
On February 1, 2021, the military seized authority after Aung Saan Suu Kyi’s party won the elections. They have proclaimed a year-long state of emergency whilst demanding a rerun of the vote: this has occurred due to the armed forces claiming widespread fraud. The revolution began against the coup d’etat in February as they protested against the armed forces for the wrongful imprisonment of Aung Saan Suu Kyi and the illegal seizure of power. This has led to an increased level of injuries, death and detention of many protestors. As a result, numerous countries have condemned the military takeover by imposing sanctions on these military officials.
The suspension of trade between the U.S. and Myanmar was a largely symbolic move to stop the growing violence in Myanmar. More than 100 people died during the protests against Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military force, a large population being children.
Katherine Tai, the U.S. trade representative, stated that the trade agreement would be continued once the democratic government was restored. "The killing of peaceful protesters, students, workers, labour leaders, medics and children has shocked the conscience of the international community," Katherine Tai said in a statement. "These actions are a direct assault on the country’s transition to democracy and the efforts of the Burmese people to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future.
Protests against the Myanmar coup.
The U.S. and Myanmar exchanged $1.4 billion worth of goods in 2020. According to the Trade Representative’s office, Myanmar was the United States’ largest goods export market in the previous year. Although the U.S. may be suffering greatly from this decision, Myanmar's economic resources for this military regime would deplete.
The Tatmadaw has killed more than 420 people since February 1, 2021. This includes a baby girl struck by a rubber bullet, and a 40-year-old woman in Mandalay, who was shot and burnt alive. Nonetheless, some peaceful protestors were brave enough to come out on Sunday and continue the protest against the military.
