Police are running to protesters to disperse a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on March 3, 2021.
STR | AFP | Getty images
The United States imposed trade sanctions on Myanmar’s military regime on Thursday, a day after security forces killed dozens of people on the deadliest day of violence since a coup drove the country’s civilian leaders out last month and sparked nationwide protests.
The Ministry of Commerce imposes export controls on Myanmar’s Ministry of Defense and Internal Affairs, as well as two companies closely associated with the military: Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holding Limited. Myanmar is now also subject to trade restrictions on certain sensitive items intended for military use.
“The trade is reviewing possible additional measures justified by the actions of the military,” the department warned in a press release Thursday afternoon. “The US government will continue to hold the coup perpetrators accountable for their actions.”
Security forces in Myanmar killed at least 38 protesters on Wednesday, according to the United Nations. The violence is part of a campaign by the military to quell nationwide demonstrations calling for the release of civilian leaders who were removed from power and detained on Feb. 1.
Myanmar citizens are holding a candlelight vigil outside the United Nations in memory of anti-coup protesters murdered in Myanmar on March 4, 2021 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lauren DeCicca | Getty Images News | Getty images
Myanmar authorities have also targeted press members voicing the protests. Associated Press journalist Thein Zaw and five other members of the media were arrested this week and charged with violating a public policy law.
State Department spokesman Ned Price called on the regime to exercise “maximum self-restraint” and warned the military that the US would take further steps to hold it responsible for the detention of journalists and the violence against protesters.
“This latest escalation of violence shows that the Juntas completely despise their own people,” Price said at a news conference on Thursday.
“As I said, we will continue to work with the international community to take meaningful action against those responsible, there will be additional action on the part of the United States,” Price said before Commerce announced the new trade sanctions.
Myanmar citizens are holding a candlelight vigil outside the United Nations in memory of anti-coup protesters murdered in Myanmar on March 4, 2021 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lauren DeCicca | Getty Images News | Getty images
President Joe Biden issued executive orders last month to impose sanctions on the military leaders who led the coup. According to a Reuters report, the New York Federal Reserve blocked an attempt by the country’s military rulers to shift $ 1 billion in funds days after they took power.
The State Department again called on China on Thursday to use its influence in Myanmar to help restore the country’s civilian government. US and Chinese officials have spoken about the situation in Myanmar numerous times since the Feb. 1 coup, Price said.
“We have urged the Chinese to play a constructive role in using their influence with the Burmese military to end this coup,” said Price.
China, which has close ties with Myanmar, last month blocked the United Nations Security Council from issuing a statement condemning the coup.
Burmese activists have said they are determined to attend protests in support of democracy despite the violent crackdown.
“We know we can always be shot and killed with live bullets, but there is no point in staying alive under the junta, so we choose this dangerous route to escape,” activist Maung Saungkha told Reuters.