Asian companies stay quiet as Western peers condemn Myanmar coup

Nearly 50 mostly Western international companies in Myanmar, including Coca-Cola, Facebook, H&M, Heineken, Nestle and Unilever, have signed a statement expressing concern about the country's military coup. Asian businesses, however, are largely keeping their heads down.

"As investors, we inhabit a 'shared space' with the people of Myanmar, including civil society organizations, in which we all benefit from respect for human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms -- including freedom of expression and association -- and the rule of law," said the document organized by the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business, a Yangon-based group that advocates for human rights in business.

MCRB began gathering signatories in February, but corporate interest has only picked up a month into the coup. Following the deaths of 18 civilian protesters last week, foreign governments and businesses are now shaking off an initial hesitance to speak out against the junta.

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