The Japanese government is considering stopping new assistance projects in Myanmar after a military coup occurred in the south-east Asian country, media reported on Thursday, citing sources.

The Kyodo news agency noted that despite condemning the coup, Japan, as a major donor to Myanmar, planned to continue emergency assistance offered through international organisations and NGOs in such areas as combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier in February, Japan joined the Group of Seven advanced economics in condemning the coup and calling for the restoration of the civilian government in Myanmar.

Tokyo called for the release of Myanmar’s state counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and other officials under house arrest.

At the same time, Japan distanced itself from imposing sanctions on Myanmar’s military leadership, unlike the U.S. and the UK that imposed sanctions against multiple individuals affiliated with Myanmar’s military.

According to the media outlet, Japan continues to maintain contacts with both the Myanmar military and the National League for Democracy (NLD) party that won the November 8 general election.

In the 2019 fiscal year, Japan reportedly provided $1.8 billion in development assistance to Myanmar. On February 1, Myanmar’s military seized power in the country, announcing a one-year state of emergency and vowing to take action against alleged voter fraud during the November 8 general election, won by the NLD party.

The military said it was committed to preserving the democratic system and vowed to hold fair elections after the state of emergency ends. 

Myanmar’s state counsellor, the president, and other top officials who were members of the ruling NLD party were detained and accused of election fraud.

Protests have been held across Myanmar since the military took over. Dozens of protesters were injured, and four people were killed.