July 30, 2025Jul 30 The Irrawaddy In a striking sign of shifting priorities, the Trump administration is reportedly exploring ways to tap into Myanmar’s rare earth reserves—vital minerals used in advanced technologies—sparking fresh concerns over the US stance on Myanmar’s brutal military regime. According to Reuters, senior US officials have heard proposals that would divert Myanmar’s rare earth exports away from China, its largest buyer. The minerals, essential for smartphones, electric vehicles, and weapons systems, are mainly extracted from Kachin State, a northern region long gripped by conflict and under the influence of ethnic armed groups. But while rare earths may be strategic assets, critics argue that Washington’s sudden interest risks sidelining Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. Since the 2021 coup, the junta has conducted relentless airstrikes and imprisoned thousands, including elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, yet US diplomatic engagement has notably cooled. Adding to the unease, the US recently lifted sanctions on several Myanmar businessmen tied to the regime and arms networks—a move human rights groups decried as “extremely worrying”. Although the Treasury Department claimed the delistings followed routine procedure, the decision came just weeks after junta leader Min Aung Hlaing praised Donald Trump in a letter, triggering speculation over behind-the-scenes dealings. Observers fear that the rare earths push may signal a dangerous US pivot, where minerals take precedence over democracy. While China has long wielded influence over Myanmar’s border militias, Kachin leaders—many of whom have Western leanings—could become new partners in Washington’s strategic chess game. Yet the idea of Trump negotiating with ethnic armed groups, however hypothetical, is deeply troubling to Myanmar’s pro-democracy advocates. For many, it’s a stark reminder that global powers often prioritise resources over rights. Once celebrated in the White House, Myanmar’s activists now find themselves overshadowed by minerals. If these reports reflect a broader shift, Myanmar’s suffering risks becoming just another footnote in a geopolitical tug-of-war. -2025-07-30 ThaiVisa, c'est aussi en français ThaiVisa, it's also in French
July 31, 2025Jul 31 It would be very much in keeping with Trump's spirit for him to negotiate with genocidal despot leaders in order to secure much needed commodities. He just doesn't care, morality, ethics and an inherent value system is not anything that he's ever possessed. No worries, China already has Burma's rare earth minerals locked up, so the US cannot even compete for them. It's very likely that Trump didn't know this because he simply doesn't read his briefings.
July 31, 2025Jul 31 It doesn't bother that kids mine for cobalt and others in Africa, so why not in Myanmar.
July 31, 2025Jul 31 The USA - the dictator's friend. What makes the Donald think he can take what China has worked hard to establish?
July 31, 2025Jul 31 10 hours ago, Purdey said: The USA - the dictator's friend. What makes the Donald think he can take what China has worked hard to establish? The US should help the people defeat the junta, then help them build processing facilities for their rare earths.
July 31, 2025Jul 31 If you think Trump gives a rat's fanny about the people of Myanmar, you need to see a doctor and get your brain examined. Remember love letters to Kim Jong Un? Pals with Putin? He loves the Dictators, he'd like to be able to lock journalists up when they speak poorly of him. Luckily, Trump is more Tater-dick than Dictator.
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