What’s behind the quiet US diplomatic thaw with Myanmar?
Por Aidan Jones — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement Myanmar This Week in Asia Politics What’s behind the quiet US diplomatic thaw with Myanmar?
Talks between US officials and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing signal a pragmatic policy shift driven by rare earth demands and cybercrime
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Aidan Jones in Bangkok Published: 1:58pm, 21 Oct 2026 Fresh from walking down red carpets laid out by his Southeast Asian neighbours, Myanmar ’s ex-military chief Min Aung Hlaing appears to have a new diplomatic feather in his cap: re-engagement with the United States .
Washington slapped sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing just 10 days after his February 1, 2021 coup and the ensuing bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. Waves of subsequent sanctions targeted military-linked companies and cronies.
Yet since last month, two rounds of talks with US officials have taken place. While details have yet to be made public, experts say Myanmar’s rare earths are likely on the table. The State Department under Donald Trump ’s administration appears set for a course change – part of a wider retooling of US foreign policy that critics say prioritises pragmatism over principle. Select Voice Select Speed 0.8x 0.9x 1.0x 1.1x 1.2x 1.5x 1.75x 00:00 00:00 1x AI-generated voice
