Chinese Development Projects in Burma Draw Local Protests
April 25,2013
Earlier this month in western Burma, hundreds of villagers, activists, and workers protested against a China-backed pipeline project. Similar protests have erupted at Chinese-backed energy and construction projects across Burma, forcing Beijing to re-think its development strategy in the country.
The protest in western Rakhine state was the largest and most organized public opposition to the Burma-China pipeline project. Activists were twice denied a permit to assemble, but demonstrated anyway. Several were arrested.
Activist Wong Aung says there is too much at stake to remain silent.
"Such as, you know, the fishing ground. We are being restricted," he said. "Locals are not getting any quick compensation or kept [from] losing their livelihood. And … the local people did not get any job opportunity and most of the people are being exploited when they are going to work in the Chinese company.
Although an Indian and Korean company are also involved, the twin oil and gas pipelines are mainly backed by China.
When finished around May, they will carry much needed fuel for China's growing energy needs.
Activist Ko Tun Lwin spoke to VOA last year when grievances over the China pipeline were building. He says the problem is that residents are kept in the dark [not told what is going on] as construction moves forward.
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2013-11-25
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2013-11-25