Myanmar crisis drags China into chaos after factories torched

Beijing warns of 'drastic action' to defend interests

Smoke billows from the industrial zone of Hlaing Thar Yar township in Yangon on March 14. Attacks on Chinese-run factories in Myanmar's biggest city drew demands from Beijing for protection of their property and employees. © AP

RORY WALLACE, Contributing writer and GWEN ROBINSON, Nikkei Asia editor-at-large

March 16, 2021 16:59 JST

YANGON/BANGKOK -- Attacks on Chinese-financed factories in Yangon have drawn an angry response from Beijing, which is being dragged into the mounting chaos in Myanmar despite its attempts to stay on the sidelines.

After a number of Chinese factories near Yangon were attacked by unidentified groups over the weekend, China warned that it might consider "more drastic action" to defend its interests.