US holds secret talks with Myanmar's military-backed government in Tokyo

by@Reuters

Summary

The United States held secret talks with Myanmar's military-backed government in Tokyo last week, marking their second meeting in a month as Washington seeks to re-engage with the generals following the 2021 coup. The discussions were led by US Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Michael Vance and reportedly focused on issues such as curbing scam operations that target Americans and exploring access to Myanmar's extensive rare earth mineral deposits. These minerals are crucial for technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines. Concurrently, Japan has begun to tentatively re-engage with Myanmar, recently holding its first public meeting with the country's foreign minister, reflecting a broader diplomatic effort amid ongoing scrutiny of the military's actions since the coup.

Analysis

Michael Vance: Michael Vance is the US Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research. He led the US side in the Tokyo talks last week and the prior meeting in Naypyitaw, directing discussions on scam hubs and other bilateral priorities. More than a dozen US officials joined him in the most recent round. US Government: The US Government is the federal administration of the United States responsible for conducting foreign policy and diplomatic relations. It has initiated renewed talks with Myanmar's military-backed government, led by Assistant Secretary Michael Vance, as part of a transactional approach focused on protecting US interests. The engagements build on a sanctions relief decision announced last week. Min Aung Hlaing: Min Aung Hlaing is Myanmar's military leader and the country's coup leader-turned-president. He met US officials in September, opening the door to the subsequent Tokyo engagement. He remains under US sanctions for human rights abuses tied to the coup and related events. Myanmar's military-backed government: Myanmar's military-backed government is the regime installed after the 2021 coup, led by Min Aung Hlaing. It is participating in talks with the US on issues including scam centers and resource access while claiming involvement in multinational anti-fraud efforts. Tokyo has hosted recent meetings as part of tentative re-engagement. Scam Operations: Many scam centers operating in Myanmar are located in areas controlled by army-backed militia. Japan's Diplomacy: Japan is communicating with both sides and held its first known public meeting with Myanmar's military-backed foreign minister earlier this month. Rare Earth Minerals: Myanmar possesses large deposits of heavy rare earths used in electric vehicles and wind turbines.

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