Airbus investing in Chinese firm that supplies Myanmar military
A new report from Burmese activist groups is calling on French-based airline manufacturer Airbus to use its influence with Aviation Industry Corporation of China, or AVIC, to pressure the Chinese firm to end its arms sales to the Myanmar junta.
The report, released on Monday, alleges that Airbus has not only maintained its investment in AVIC but has increased its stake in companies controlled by the Chinese defense firm. Specifically, Airbus is reportedly "heavily" invested in AviChina, a Hong Kong-listed subsidiary of AVIC.
Airbus has denied claims that its investments could be violating international sanctions.
In the report titled #AIRBUSTED: How Airbus’ Close Partner AVIC is Supplying Arms to the Myanmar Military and What Airbus Should Do About It, Justice for Myanmar and Info Birmanie, a Paris-based nonprofit focusing on Myanmar, present evidence that AVIC continues to provide aircraft and weapons to the Myanmar military. These weapons are reportedly being used to commit war crimes across the country.
The report calls on Airbus to use its influence over AVIC and its subsidiaries to halt all ongoing and planned transfers of military aircraft, weapons, and related equipment to Myanmar's military, as well as associated services like maintenance, training, and technical support for Myanmar’s air force.
The report further urges Airbus to carry out rigorous due diligence on its partnerships with AVIC and its subsidiaries, ensuring transparency in the process. It also recommends that Airbus divest from AVIC and end its business relationship if the Chinese firm refuses to cease its dealings with Myanmar's military.
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