SIF sends open letter to China over Myanmar policy

Mizzima Strategic Initiative Forum (SIF) sent an open letter on 4 August to the People’s Republic of China regarding China’s involvement in Myanmar affairs. The following is the letter: The Honorable Government of the People’s Republic of China (The State Council)The Strategic Initiative Forum (SIF) expresses its profound concern regarding the ongoing political, security, and humanitarian crises in Myanmar. As an immediate neighboring country and a major regional power, we acknowledge that China’s policies and decisions hold significant weight and directly impact Myanmar’s peace, stability, and future trajectory. Accordingly, we earnestly call upon the Chinese government to refrain from any form of interference in Myanmar’s internal politics and armed conflicts, and to cease actions or decisions that risk prolonging the hostilities. The future of Myanmar must be determined solely through democratic means and in alignment with the sovereign will of the Myanmar people, rather than exploited for foreign political interests. Furthermore, we express grave concern regarding reports of arbitrary detentions, threats, and human rights violations targeting Myanmar citizens. In particular, regarding the detention of U Min Zin, Executive Director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP-Myanmar), who was detained in Kunming, China, in the first week of June 2026 under allegations of espionage and threatening national security, we demand a transparent review conducted in full compliance with international law and human rights standards, leading to a prompt and appropriate resolution. It is entirely unacceptable that the violent military junta continues to sell off the nation’s resources by exporting Myanmar’s natural wealth and raw materials to China through various channels at artificially low prices. Moreover, the Chinese government’s signing of agreements with the military junta to resume the Myitsone Dam project at the confluence of the May Kha (N’Mai Hka) and Malikha (Mali Hka) Rivers—the lifeline of Myanmar—disregards the explicit opposition of the entire Myanmar public and violates international environmental conventions. The extraction of natural resources and rare earth minerals, along with the implementation of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and other major infrastructure developments, must prioritize public consensus, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. Proceeding with such projects during a period of political crisis and without the consent of the people erodes trust and risks deepening the conflict. Exploiting Myanmar’s natural wealth purely for commercial gain, persisting with environmentally damaging projects, and disregarding public dissent will severely impair bilateral trust and jeopardize regional stability. We firmly condemn all cronies, business actors, and international entities that collude with the violent military junta in resource extraction and project implementation. We sincerely trust that the Chinese government will champion an approach grounded in peace, inclusive political dialogue, respect for human rights, and international law—one that unequivocally honors the aspirations of the Myanmar people. Respecting Myanmar’s national sovereignty, the fundamental rights of its citizens, and its democratic aspirations serves as the firmest foundation for enduring bilateral friendship and regional tranquility. We formally call upon the Government of the People’s Republic of China to: Immediately cease all cooperation with the violent military junta that compromises Myanmar’s sovereignty, interferes in its internal political affairs, or seeks to exert political influence. Uphold the human rights of Myanmar nationals and ensure the immediate, unconditional release of U Min Zin and all arbitrarily detained individuals, treating them with dignity and in accordance with international norms. Halt all economic decisions and activities—including BRI projects and rare earth mineral extraction—that prioritize financial interests at the expense of exacerbating conflict and instability. Constructively support political solutions aimed at peace and national reconciliation that are genuinely grounded in the sovereign will of the Myanmar people. Respectfully, Strategic Initiative Forum (SIF) The Strategic Initiative Forum (SIF) is a political coalition uniting key anti-junta actors, including ethnic armed organizations, political parties, and strike committees across Myanmar. Driven by a four-part strategy to build a federal democratic union, SIF operates both on the ground—mobilizing anti-sham election actions across 100+ townships—and internationally, organizing high-level meetings with key stakeholders in neighboring countries. Through this dual approach of diplomatic engagement and grassroots pressure, SIF actively works to counter the military junta’s legitimacy and advocate for Myanmar’s democratic movement. https://sif-mm.org The post SIF sends open letter to China over Myanmar policy appeared first on ENG.MIZZIMA.COM.