North of Kachin State

The United States has made a rare diplomatic foray into Myanmar’s war-torn Kachin State, with Chargé d’Affaires Susan Stevenson visiting the region last week to assess local conditions and meet community leaders. Her three-day trip to Myitkyina, the state capital, comes amid escalating conflict and growing international interest in Kachin’s vast mineral reserves.

 

An embassy spokesperson confirmed the visit was part of Stevenson’s broader effort to understand socio-economic realities across Myanmar. Notably, she did not meet with either the ruling junta or the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which controls much of the surrounding territory and has been fighting the regime since its 2021 coup.

 

Kachin State, bordering China, is rich in jade and rare earth minerals—critical components in electric vehicles, smartphones, and defence systems. With Washington seeking to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, the region’s resources have taken on strategic importance.

 

Since 2024, KIA-led forces have seized at least a dozen towns, including key mining hubs. The current flashpoint is Bhamo, a strategic town on the Irrawaddy River. Stevenson’s visit, originally scheduled for January, was delayed due to security concerns. Myitkyina remains under junta control, though much of the surrounding area is contested.

 

The US downgraded diplomatic ties with Myanmar following the coup, and Stevenson has led the mission in Yangon since July 2023. Her visit signals a cautious re-engagement with Myanmar’s ethnic regions, where resistance groups continue to push for federal democracy.

 

While the embassy stressed the visit was apolitical, observers note its timing amid rising tensions and mineral competition. With China backing the junta and resistance forces gaining ground, Kachin is fast becoming a geopolitical fault line. The US presence, however limited, may hint at shifting priorities in the region.

 

 

-2025-08-16

So soon we will hear donnie diaper praising the geat myanmar leaders, who impress him and loves their country so much.

And- he will (of course) make a peace deal, soon as finished russia/ukraine and israel/palestine.

Golf clubs are needed everywhere and they have nice beaches just waiting for trump hotels and resorts 😞

 

On 8/16/2025 at 8:44 AM, geovalin said:

growing international interest in Kachin’s vast mineral reserves.

 

Sent by Trump to assess rare earths?

On 8/18/2025 at 5:38 PM, Burma Bill said:

 

Sent by Trump to assess rare earths?

Highly likely, and a good thing. Hopefully the USA will do something positive in Myanmar, but I'm not holding my breath and China will continue to rape the country.