Myanmar protesters have singled out China for blocking international actions against the military junta, which has carried out widespread human rights violations in its crackdown on peaceful protestors.

In response to fires started in Chinese-owned Hlaingthayar factories on the 14 March, Shwepyitha, Hlaingtharyar, North Okkalapa, North & South Dagon and Dagon Seikkan townships in Yangon region were placed under martial law.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar urged security forces to take effective measures to stop violence and punish perpetrators. No group has laid claim for the arson attacks.

Widespread criticism of China's response to the factory fires has called out the Chinese embassy for encouraging an even more severe crackdown on protesters, while turning a blind eye to their death and serious injury.

Latest data from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) on 16 March claims at least 202 people have been killed in the violent crackdown.

Despite the violence, civilian protests have not lost momentum, and are still widespread across the country during both days and nights, despite the imposition of severe restrictions.