WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has opened direct talks with Myanmar’s military-backed government, marking a significant change in Washington’s approach since the country’s 2021 military coup.
US officials and people familiar with the discussions told Reuters that Michael Vance, the US assistant secretary of state for intelligence and research, has played a leading role in the outreach. The talks have focused mainly on shutting down scam centers targeting Americans. However, the engagement could expand to other areas, including Myanmar’s rare-earth mineral resources.
Vance Met Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw
Vance met Myanmar’s military leader and President Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw on Sept. 15-16, according to people familiar with the talks.
The meeting focused initially on securing the release of American businessman Adam Castillo, who had been detained in Myanmar since June. Myanmar later released and deported Castillo on Sept. 16.
Castillo’s release followed a rare visit by a US delegation to Myanmar. A State Department spokesman confirmed that US officials had traveled to the country and met with the military-backed government.
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The spokesman said Washington would continue to engage with authorities in Naypyitaw on issues affecting US interests. He also said the United States would continue to raise concerns about violence, humanitarian access and political prisoners.
Scam Centers a Key US Concern
A major focus of the new engagement is Myanmar’s network of cyber-scam centers.
US officials want Myanmar authorities to help shut down operations that target Americans through online romance scams and other forms of fraud. According to people familiar with the discussions, the FBI has also established direct contact with Myanmar authorities over cybercrime.
The scam networks have become a growing regional security issue. Several operations have expanded along Myanmar’s borders with neighboring countries.
For Washington, cooperation against such networks could provide a limited area for practical engagement despite the broader dispute over Myanmar’s military rule.
Rare-Earth Minerals Could Broaden Engagement
The talks could also open discussions about Myanmar’s rare-earth mineral resources, according to people familiar with the policy shift.
Rare-earth minerals are important for many advanced technologies and industrial applications. The United States has sought to diversify critical mineral supply chains and reduce dependence on China.
However, the reported discussions do not mean that Washington has agreed to lift sanctions or formally recognize Myanmar’s military government.
The United States continues to maintain sanctions on Myanmar’s military leaders and businesses linked to the military.
Engagement Marks Change in US Policy
Washington largely avoided high-level engagement with Myanmar’s military authorities after the 2021 coup.
The military removed the elected government and detained civilian leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi. The takeover triggered widespread protests and a prolonged armed conflict.
The September meeting therefore represented the highest-level known US contact with Myanmar’s military government since the coup, according to Reuters.
The latest outreach also follows earlier US contacts with Myanmar officials. People familiar with the discussions said Vance took part in a June meeting in Tokyo involving US and Myanmar officials.
Officials from the Treasury Department, Department of Homeland Security and Pentagon were also involved in those discussions, according to Reuters.
Washington Still Engages With Opposition Groups
Despite the new contact with Myanmar’s military authorities, Vance has also held meetings with democratic opposition figures and ethnic armed groups fighting the military, according to people familiar with the policy.
This suggests that the US approach is not limited to the military government.
The State Department has also said Washington engages with different groups in Myanmar while continuing to press authorities over violence, humanitarian access and political prisoners.
The broader policy shift comes as the Trump administration places greater emphasis on practical US interests, including combating cybercrime and securing access to strategically important resources.
