The US Biden administration has imposed new sanctions such as asset freezes on two major conglomerates, which are said to have a close relationship with the military and have a great influence on the Myanmar economy, over the Myanmar coup d'etat.

The United Kingdom has also imposed sanctions on one of these companies, and the United States has increased pressure on the military in collaboration with its allies.

In Myanmar, where protests against the coup continue, the military is cracking down on civilians, and according to the US State Department, at least 275 people have been killed in the past, including shootings by security forces.



In response to this situation, the US Treasury announced on the 25th that it will impose sanctions on two major conglomerates, "Myanmar Economic Holdings" and "Myanmar Economic Corporation," which are closely related to the military.



The two companies will freeze their assets in the United States and will be banned from doing business with Americans.



According to the Ministry of Finance, there are many companies under the umbrella of a wide range of industries, including trade and logistics, as well as finance and construction, and their profits are the source of funding for military activities.



The United States has imposed sanctions on military executives and related companies, but the two companies subject to the sanctions are said to have a great influence on the Myanmar economy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. This is the most important measure up to. "



The United Kingdom has also imposed sanctions on "Myanmar Economic Holdings" on the 25th, and the United States has increased pressure on the military in cooperation with its allies.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "Shocks Many Victims, Including Children"

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on the 25th that many casualties including children have been caused by military shootings such as the death of a 7-year-old girl who was shot by security forces in Myanmar on the 23rd of this month. "America is shocked and deeply sad," it issued a statement.



"We express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and condemn the actions of Myanmar's security forces in the strongest words," he said. "The administration cannot be maintained by fear." He emphasized and reiterated the Myanmar military to stop violence and revive the elected government.

U.S. officials recognize that “the situation may worsen”

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Keshap attended a hearing on the situation in Myanmar on the 25th at the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US Senate.



When asked by lawmakers whether the clash between the military side, which is intensifying the crackdown, and the citizens who oppose it could lead to a civil war, he said, "There is always the possibility that things will get worse in Myanmar." , Recognized that the situation could get worse.



After expressing his intention to continue asking the military to respond to dialogue with citizens, the US government said, "We will cooperate with Japan, South Korea, India, and China," and with the Myanmar military in addition to allies and friends. He also expressed his intention to work with China, which has a close relationship.



In addition, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who attended the hearing, revealed that Secretary of State Blinken has begun to consider whether the persecution of the Muslim minority Rohingya by the Myanmar military is a so-called "genocide". Did.



He said, "The Secretary is very enthusiastic about this consideration and will have an answer in the not too distant future."