Myanmar: NGOs welcome Airbus's decision to divest from Chinese company allegedly linked to Myanmar military
"Airbus divests from Chinese arms company following global campaign", 19 June 2025
… Justice For Myanmar and Info Birmanie welcome Airbus’ decision to divest from AviChina Industry & Technology Company Limited (AviChina), in which it was the single largest international shareholder at 5.03%. The investment was valued at US$140 million ...
The divestment follows a broad-based campaign involving civil society organisations, strike groups, trade unions, protesters and individuals all over the world who pressured Airbus to use its leverage on Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) to end its business with the Myanmar military, or divest…
Airbus completed its divestment from AviChina on April 1, 2025, and acknowledged it in financial information published for the three-month period ending 31 March. In an email response to Justice For Myanmar and Info Birmanie, a spokesperson of Airbus confirmed, “Airbus SE completed the sale of the entirety of its shares in AviChina Industry & Technology Company Limited, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Airbus does not have any equity investments in AVIC.”
The company refused to comment further, citing a complaint currently pending at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the Netherlands regarding Airbus’ business relationship with AVIC, filed by a Myanmar civil society organisation.
Airbus remains a significant investor in the Chinese aviation industry, despite China’s well-documented strategy of military-civil fusion. As detailed in the Airbusted report, Airbus operates multiple legal entities in China, including joint ventures, in large part with AVIC and its subsidiaries.
Airbus’ partnerships with AVIC-controlled companies are inconsistent with Airbus’ human rights due diligence responsibilities, as companies operating under the oversight of AVIC continue to supply weapons – including military aircraft – to the Myanmar military. In doing so, AVIC risks aiding and abetting international crimes committed by the Myanmar military…