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 21 August 2008 21:46 BST

China key to Burma's 'survival'

Friday, 08 Aug 2008 19:02
International community told it must engage with China if it is serious about bringing change to Burma
The international community has been told it can only prove its true intentions over Burma if it engages its military rulers' closest ally – China.

On the 20th anniversary of the pro-democracy 8888 uprising that would later see troops kill 3,000 peaceful protestors, a Burmese dissident has urged world powers to enter into new talks with Beijing.

Former student leader Ko Aung, now based in London after fleeing Burma in 1997 to escape imprisonment and torture, told inthenews.co.uk the international community had to take a firmer stance with China, which continues to back the Burmese junta.

The 42-year-old, who took part in the 8888 uprising protests, said "quiet diplomacy... quiet criticism" with China was the only chance of salvation for the people of Burma.

"China is the regional power, they do not want the west to come over to control [Burma]," he said.

"Take the diplomatic approach to the Chinese government, quietly criticising."

Amnesty International echoed Ko Aung's comments, describing China's continued policy of investment and business links with Burma as "beguiling".

The human rights group's Burma researcher Benjamin Zawacki told inthenews.co.uk the longevity of the current regime – installed in the aftermath of the 8888 uprising crackdown – was entirely attributable to Beijing's backing.

Attempts by the United Nations security council to place limits on the junta have been stymied by China and Russia, who have blocked sanctions and arms embargoes.

"China has real political power in Burma, but has simply been unable or unwilling over the past 20 years to make a real difference," Mr Zawacki said.

"It is interesting because it is in China's interests to promote a stable Burma; and frankly it is not," he explained.

Ko Aung said he had raised the issue of China – "the block" on an end to military rule in Burma – with the prime minister during last year's Saffron Revolution protests.

As thousands of pro-democracy marchers and Buddhist monks took to the streets only to be brutally suppressed in an echo of 8888, Ko Aung implored Gordon Brown to press on China the importance of dropping support for the Burmese junta.

"If China drops its support for the Burmese regime it will collapse," Ko Aung explained.

"Our movement cannot change the Chinese government – we can't.

"That's why we are asking them [the international community' to meet them and give another chance to talk."

At time of going to press, No 10 was preparing a response to Ko Aung's comments.

Mr Brown is in Beijing later this month to attend the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, which begin today on the auspicious date of August 8th 2008.

One leader attended the opening ceremony will be Burmese prime minister General Soe Win.

Security is expected to be stepped up in Burma to prevent any unofficial commemoration of today's anniversary.End of story


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