In Bangkok, activist groups have urged the United Nations to investigate its special envoy to Myanmar, following allegations of potential conflicts of interest. This request for an inquiry centers on claims that her consulting firm has ties to Chinese mining and construction projects within Myanmar.
The advocacy organization, Justice for Myanmar, reached out to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after an Australian report highlighted purported connections between Julie Bishop, the U.N. envoy, and Chinese state-run enterprises operating in Myanmar. Since then, numerous other activist groups have echoed the call for a thorough investigation.
At present, Bishop, who was once Australia’s foreign minister and now serves as the chancellor of the Australian National University, has refrained from addressing these allegations. Queries directed to her consulting firm have also gone unanswered.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is currently enmeshed in a civil conflict involving the military junta and pro-democracy factions, among others. China plays a significant role as an arms supplier to the military, which seized control from the democratically elected government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, in 2021. Chinese-backed projects in mining and construction are significant revenue sources for Myanmar’s military rulers.
Justice for Myanmar contends that Bishop’s association with Chinese and other corporate interests in Myanmar represents “unacceptable conflicts of interest that must be fully investigated.” The organization highlighted concerns over potential erosion of trust among Myanmar’s civil society, a critical aspect given the special envoy’s role in engaging with such stakeholders, according to spokesperson Yadanar Muang.
Responding to these allegations, Bishop’s consulting company issued a statement emphasizing that it serves as a private advisory entity providing strategic analysis and guidance. The firm further clarified that it does not assume fiduciary or executive roles nor does it offer legal, corporate, or financial counsel. They affirm that any potential conflicts are declared and duly screened.
Guterres’ office confirmed receipt of the letter from Justice for Myanmar but declined to provide further comment. Meanwhile, Australia’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to inquiries, and the Australian National University pointed out that Bishop’s role as chancellor is primarily part-time and non-executive. The university asserted that as long as external interests do not conflict with institutional goals, they are permissible.
Bishop was appointed as Guterres’ envoy to Myanmar in April of last year. The reported allegations cite Bishop’s consulting firm being contracted as a strategic advisor for a Greenland mining project by Energy Transition Minerals, a Melbourne-based rare earths company with backing from China’s Shenghe Resources, known for its connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
Energy Transition Minerals is involved in litigation against Greenland and Denmark, seeking compensation amounting to billions, following a prohibition on uranium mining which affected their developing project. This dispute emerged after the 2021 ban.
Shenghe Resources, partially owned by the state, is implicated in sourcing rare earths from Myanmar, the largest provider of these resources to China, according to Justice for Myanmar. The activist group also notes involvement from China Communications Construction Company, a state-owned entity with Myanmar operations.
In addition, the group highlights Bishop’s business engagements with Australian firms linked to both current and prior mining and energy initiatives in Myanmar. Consequently, Justice for Myanmar urges Guterres to examine Bishop’s business dealings, evaluate her fit for continued U.N. engagement, and divulge the outcomes of any investigation initiated.
