China, India Firms Dropped by Norway Fund Over Myanmar Weapons
The Facts
On Tuesday, Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) announced that Norway’s sovereign wealth fund had dropped two companies — located in China and India — for selling light combat aircraft as well as a weapons system to Myanmar's military government.
NBIM reportedly excluded AviChina Industry & Technology and Bharat Electronics because the companies took on an "unacceptable risk" by selling weapons to a state that uses them "in ways that constitute serious and systematic violations of international humanitarian law."
The Spin
Narrative A
This report makes clear something that was already well-known — foreign powers are assisting Myanmar's military as it slaughters innocent civilians and erodes the country's democratic institutions. Foreign companies must stop sending materials to Myanmar, and world governments must do more to prevent private enterprises from colluding with a regime guilty of mass murder.
Narrative B
Though the intentions of those calling for greater sanctions against Myanmar are well meaning, imposing more restrictions would do nothing to benefit the people of Myanmar. The economy is already facing a dire situation and additional sanctions would shrink foreign investments, job opportunities, and trade, affecting the poorest in society most severely.
