The United States and Myanmar’s military-backed government held another round of diplomatic talks in Tokyo last week, marking their second meeting within a month as Washington explores renewed engagement with the country’s military leadership.
According to Reuters, three sources familiar with the discussions confirmed the meeting, although specific details remain undisclosed. US Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Michael Vance reportedly led the American delegation, which included more than a dozen officials.
The latest negotiations followed September talks in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, where US officials discussed securing the release of an American businessman and combating online scam centers responsible for defrauding Americans of billions of dollars.
The discussions could also expand to Myanmar’s substantial rare earth mineral reserves, which are strategically important for manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced technologies.
However, accessing these resources presents significant challenges. Many deposits are located in territories controlled by ethnic armed groups opposing Myanmar’s military, while China remains the primary buyer of the country’s rare earth minerals.
Washington has also adjusted its sanctions approach, recently removing restrictions on the daughter of a Myanmar businessman accused of supporting the military. The State Department described the decision as part of a broader strategy emphasizing dialogue with groups involved in Myanmar’s civil war.
Despite renewed diplomatic engagement, Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing remains under US sanctions over human rights violations, including his involvement in the 2021 military coup and abuses against Rohingya Muslims.
Hunter Marston, Southeast Asia director at the Lowy Institute, suggested that Washington’s renewed interest reflects a transactional foreign policy focused on strategic minerals and American economic interests.
Meanwhile, Japan’s involvement in facilitating US-Myanmar discussions remains uncertain. Tokyo has maintained communication with both governments but has declined to disclose details of diplomatic exchanges.
Japan has also shown signs of rebuilding relations with Myanmar. Japanese lawmaker Hiromichi Watanabe visited Naypyitaw in September to explore restoring bilateral cooperation and development assistance.
Although Japan condemned Myanmar’s 2021 military takeover, it avoided imposing sanctions comparable to those introduced by Western governments.
Economic connections remain significant, with approximately 300 Japanese companies operating in Myanmar, compared with more than 400 in 2020, according to the Japan External Trade Organization.
The renewed US-Myanmar dialogue highlights Washington’s growing interest in combating cross-border fraud and securing critical minerals while navigating Myanmar’s ongoing political instability and civil conflict.
