Blunder in, abandon allies and court a dictator: it’s the Trump doctrine, now playing out in Myanmar | Steve Bloomfield
Summary
The US government has shifted its approach toward Myanmar’s military regime, moving from strong sanctions and calls for prosecution to opening talks with the generals who took power in a 2021 coup. This change is partly driven by US interest in Myanmar’s rare earth minerals, which are important for technology and military use.Key Facts
- In 2017, Senator Marco Rubio and others called for sanctions and prosecution against Myanmar military leaders for ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya.
- Since 2021, Myanmar’s military has taken full control after arresting elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking a civil war that killed about 100,000 people and displaced 5 million.
- The US now views Myanmar’s situation as genocide but has started direct talks with the military regime and may lift some sanctions.
- Roger Stone, a close ally of President Trump, is lobbying on behalf of Myanmar’s military to improve relations with the US.
- A recent US official visit to Myanmar focused on gaining access to rare earth minerals rather than pushing for democracy.
- Rare earth minerals are critical for high-tech and military products, and China currently dominates their supply.
- Myanmar has over 600 rare earth mines, supplying most of China’s imports since the coup.
- Other countries, like Malaysia, are also reconsidering their stance on Myanmar’s military leadership.
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