Wednesday 8 March 2017

China Condemns Attack on Chinese Factory in Myanmar, Demanding Immediate Preventive Action

 

(YicaiGlobal) Feb. 24 — A Chinese-owned garment factory in Shwepyitha industrial zone in Yangon, Myanmar, was attacked by hundreds of local workers who occupied the factory and held several Chinese workers captive. The Chinese embassy in Yangon has lodged solemn representations to Myanmar, demanding immediate and effective action by Myanmar authorities to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and the property of Chinese companies, as well as punishment of the perpetrators in accordance with laws.

The factory, owned by Hangzhou Baiyi Garments, was set up in Myanmar nearly three years ago, employing more than 500 local and 10 Chinese workers, reported Golden Phoenix, a local Chinese-language newspaper in Myanmar. A number of assaults by local staff on the factory have occurred since last December.

Recently, a worker representative, who left the company on his own initiative, wanted to come back to work but was rejected. He led other workers to go on strike and blocked the factory gate for two weeks to prevent Chinese workers from entering the complex. On Feb. 23, striking workers broke in the factory, smashed equipment and robbed Chinese employees at their dormitories.

Some 200 to 300 workers took part in the assault, damaging the equipment, said Chen Hongwei, head of the factory. The factory has been occupied by the striking workers who also held Chinese staffers captive.

An official from the Chinese embassy in Myanmar visited the factory on the day of the attack, said an embassy statement issued yesterday. The embassy official made representations to Myanmar’s foreign affairs ministry, home affairs ministry and the Yangon regional government, condemning the attack and demanding immediate action to punish the perpetrators.

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