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AAP
AAP
Politics
Dominic Giannini

Sanctions for banks, businesses linked to Myanmar junta

Penny Wong has slapped additional sanctions on Myanmar companies with links to the military junta. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

The Australian government has slapped additional sanctions on companies with links to Myanmar's military junta on the third anniversary of the coup.

The sanctions are set to limit the regime's access to funds it can use to commit atrocities against civilians, Foreign Minister Penny Wong says. 

Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank have been hit with targeted financial sanctions for enabling the regime's activities. 

Three companies that supply jet fuel to the military - Asia Sun Group, Asia Sun Trading and Cargo Link Petroleum Logistics - have also been targeted.

"These sanctions are a response to the regime's ongoing repression of the people of Myanmar, escalating violence, and the continuing deterioration of the political, humanitarian and security situation," Senator Wong said in a statement.

"They send a clear message of Australia's deep concern for the regime's ongoing actions and its continued disregard for international efforts.

"Australia will continue to closely monitor the regime's actions and look for improvements on the ground."

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham backed the sanctions but wanted the government to go further. 

"This 3rd anniversary of the brutal military coup in Myanmar, we reaffirm our support for people of (Myanmar) in their continuing struggle for democracy and freedom," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"Additional sanctions by Senator Wong today upon the Myanmar military regime are welcome but fail to bring (Australia) in line with counterparts like US, UK and Canada.

"This is a regrettable missed opportunity to target sources of funds, arms, equipment and jet fuel as allies have done."

He also condemned the junta's brutality.

"The coup has inflicted an enormous toll, especially on women, children, religious minorities and peaceful protesters," he said.

"The coalition calls for an immediate end to violence and a return to a democratic pathway."

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