Myanmar Junta Leader Lauds Trump, Seeks Sanctions Relief

Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, expressed his admiration for Donald Trump and requested the lifting of sanctions, according to a statement released by the junta on Friday. This followed a letter from the former US president, which is believed to be the first public acknowledgement of the junta's rule by Washington.

Min Aung Hlaing echoed Trump's unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in the 2020 US election. He also expressed gratitude for the cessation of funding to US-supported media outlets that provided independent reporting on the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.

The military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's elected civilian government in 2021, leading to a civil war. The US State Department has imposed sanctions on Min Aung Hlaing and other officials for their use of violence and oppression against the Burmese people, as well as their denial of the right to choose their own leaders.

Despite the official stance of non-engagement, Trump sent a letter directly to Min Aung Hlaing on Monday. The letter informed him of a 40 percent tariff that would be imposed from August 1, a reduction from the previously threatened 44 percent.

Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group noted that this letter was the first public indication of US recognition of Min Aung Hlaing and the junta. He added that any prior private communications would likely not have originated from Trump.

In response, Min Aung Hlaing released a multi-page letter through the junta's information team. He conveyed his appreciation for Trump's letter and commended the former president's leadership. He further attempted to legitimize the military's actions by drawing a parallel between the situation in Myanmar and the 2020 US election, citing alleged electoral fraud and irregularities.