US opens direct talks with Myanmar's generals, reversing years of isolation
U.S. officials seek the release of a detained American and cooperation on shuttering scam hubs responsible for billions of dollars in losses, according to government sources.
- On September 15-16, US Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Michael Vance held direct talks with Myanmar coup leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw, marking a sharp reversal of Washington's isolation policy since the 2021 coup.
- The meeting aimed to secure the release of American businessman Adam Castillo while establishing channels to shutter scam hubs operating on Myanmar's territory that have defrauded Americans of billions of dollars.
- Access to Myanmar's massive rare-earth mineral deposits—vital for electric vehicles—featured in the talks, as Washington seeks to diversify supply chains away from China's current dominance in the sector.
- Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, denounced the shift, stating engagement provides "this murderous regime greater international legitimacy" while failing to implement congressionally mandated sanctions.
- Less than two weeks after the meeting, Myanmar's military conducted an airstrike in Rakhine state killing over 50 people, while researchers question whether leaders are serious about enforcement given militia involvement in scams.
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14 Articles
Why Is Washington Talking Directly to Myanmar’s Military Government?
The Trump administration has opened direct talks with Myanmar’s military-installed government, marking a significant shift from Washington’s post-coup policy of sanctions and diplomatic isolation. US officials and people familiar with the outreach say the engagement initially focused on securing the release of an American businessman and shutting down scam networks operating from Myanmar. But the […]
US begins direct talks with Myanmar in reversal of isolation attempts following military coup
The US Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, Michael Vance, played a leading role in the outreach, which has focused on shutting down scam centers that target Americans.
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kang Hoon-sang = The U.S. government has begun direct dialogue with the Myanmar military regime, which has been subject to sanctions and diplomatic isolation since the 2021 coup...
In a MAJOR policy reversal, the U.S. has begun negotiations with Myanmar's military authorities on crime control and access to strategic raw materials.
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