Is Donald Trump ready to do business with Myanmar?
Summary
A top US official recently met Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing for the first time since the 2021 coup, signaling a possible change in US policy. Previously, the US had limited contact and imposed sanctions, but recent meetings, sanction removals, and lobbying efforts suggest a shift toward re-engagement.Key Facts
- The meeting happened on September 15-16 in Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Taw, between US Assistant Secretary of State Michael Vance and Min Aung Hlaing.
- The meeting aimed to secure the release of Adam Castillo, a detained US citizen involved with the local American Chamber of Commerce.
- This was the highest-level US contact with Myanmar’s military leader since his 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi.
- The US had applied targeted sanctions against people supporting the military regime since 2021.
- In July 2022, President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Min Aung Hlaing amid a trade tariff war, addressing him formally and encouraging economic participation despite his regime’s international isolation.
- Min Aung Hlaing’s regime faces accusations of war crimes and is mostly unrecognized internationally, except by countries like Russia and China.
- The Myanmar military hired Washington lobbyists, including Roger Stone, who is close to President Trump, to improve its image.
- Adam Castillo, a former US marine and Trump supporter, has worked to persuade US officials that sanction policies toward Myanmar need rethinking.
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