The media is reporting that the crackdown against the growing monk-lead protests in Burma has begun. Protests on Monday reportedly numbered between 50,000 and 100,000. After yesterday’s demonstrations the government publicly announced that action would be taken against senior monks if the protests were not haulted.

Today over 10,000 monks and civilians marched towards the Shwedagon Pagoda, the holiest Buddhist site in the city and assembly point for recent demonstrations. The group was met by military trucks and soldiers.

Security forces also fired tear gas at columns of monks trying to push their way past barricades sealing off the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s holiest shrine and the starting point of the mass marches against decades of military rule.

At least two witnesses saw the bloodied body of a monk being carried away after security forces stopped a procession. It was not clear what his condition was.

According to the article, the government began to round up opposition leaders prior to today’s march and the government has reportedly moved Aung San Su Kyi from her house arrest back to prison.

An important note at the end of this article:

China — the closest the generals have to a friend — has remained silent apart from calling for national reconciliation and a “democracy process that is appropriate for the country” at an Asia-Pacific summit in Sydney earlier this month.

China is also responsible for this situation. Their economic agreements with the junta of Burma have undercut international sanctions imposed on the regime. The international community has been somewhat successful in linking issues important for China (ie - Olympics) to pressure China on other fronts. This should continue here. Short of a military invasion, China really is the only country that has much leverage on the junta.

Looking to get involved? Check out the US Campaign for Burma.