Trump’s ‘diplomatic gift’ to Myanmar junta via letter sparks US policy concerns
By addressing Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing over the tariff issue, Trump has ‘unintentionally legitimised’ the junta, analysts say
Trump had earlier informed the junta’s leader in a letter on Washington’s proposed 40 per cent tariff to be imposed on Myanmar, the country’s state media reported on July 11. In response, Min Aung Hlaing proposed a lower tariff of 10 to 20 per cent, with the general’s country slashing its levy on US imports to a range of zero to 10 per cent, according to a letter issued by Myanmar on the same day.
The leader, who assumed power in February 2021 in a coup overthrowing the democratically elected government, also said his administration was ready to send a negotiation team to Washington if needed.
Myanmar’s state media has framed Trump’s letter as an “encouraging invitation” to engage with the US and reported the general as saying he received the letter from Trump with “sincere appreciation”.
Min Aung Hlaing said it was an “honour” to be contacted directly by the US president, according to Global New Light of Myanmar, a state-run outlet. The US and most Western countries have not recognised the junta as Myanmar’s legitimate government.
