Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, many more jailed and tortured, 2.6 million displaced from their homes, and more than 18 million live in need, reports iNews.
A series of recent victories mean opposition forces now control more than half the country. Many say it’s only a matter of time before the regime falls.
Neighbouring China, traditionally the Myanmar military’s most powerful backer, can detect which way the wind is blowing.
“The Chinese have been reaching out to all the different ethnic groups in the country, not just the ones on their border any more,” says Mark Farmaner, director of Burma Campaign UK. “They’re offering them scholarships, they’re talking about humanitarian assistance, they’re inviting them to so-called conferences and nice hotels to building relationships and getting to know the players.”
The UK has cut aid by 70 per cent since the coup, in a bid to undermine the regime. “The British Government’s decision is ridiculous. There’s a huge civil society network ready to deliver aid to those who need it,” says Farmaner.
“There is a lot more that the West could do,” he says. “Most importantly, tougher sanctions on jet fuel because the military can’t make their own. A million people at least have been displaced by airstrikes, who now can’t work, can’t farm. It’s an economic crisis, as well as a humanitarian crisis.”