A recent letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs has been received with unexpected enthusiasm by the military junta in Myanmar. The letter, which announced a new tariff rate of 40 percent on Myanmar’s exports to the United States starting August 1, 2023, has been framed by the junta as a form of recognition amidst ongoing international isolation.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military regime, expressed his appreciation for the communication, stating it was an “honor” to receive Trump’s letter. According to Myanmar’s state media outlet, Global New Light of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing characterized the letter as an “encouraging invitation” to engage further with the U.S. economy.
The junta, which assumed power in February 2021 by ousting the democratically elected government, has faced significant backlash from the international community. The United States, along with the United Kingdom and the European Union, has imposed sanctions and refused to recognize the junta as the legitimate government. This diplomatic isolation has been exacerbated by accusations of war crimes against the military as it attempts to maintain control amidst a civil conflict that has persisted for nearly five years.
In a bid to improve relations, Min Aung Hlaing suggested the possibility of a high-level negotiation team traveling to the U.S. to address the new tariffs. He also urged Washington to reconsider its economic sanctions, arguing that they hinder the shared interests of both nations and their peoples.
Min Aung Hlaing took the opportunity to commend Trump for his leadership, praising his efforts to guide the U.S. towards prosperity and promote global peace. Notably, he expressed gratitude for the Trump administration’s decisions that he claimed helped regulate broadcasting agencies, implicitly referencing cuts to funding for outlets like Radio Free Asia and Voice of America. These organizations have played a critical role in providing independent reporting in Myanmar, particularly in light of the junta’s restrictions on free press.
The letter also revealed an intriguing parallel drawn by Min Aung Hlaing between the political challenges faced by Trump during the 2020 U.S. presidential election and the military’s allegations of electoral fraud in Myanmar. He referred to the November 2020 election, which saw Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party win in a landslide, as marred by “major electoral fraud.” This claim contradicts the assessments of international observers who deemed the election largely free and fair prior to the military coup that followed weeks later.
Since the coup, Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained and is serving a 27-year sentence based on charges widely considered politically motivated. Her ousting has not only led to widespread turmoil within Myanmar but has also drawn global condemnation and calls for accountability for the military’s actions.
In light of these developments, the U.S. embassy in Myanmar has been contacted for clarification on the delivery of Trump’s letter and whether it indicates any shift in American policy towards the junta. With the international community watching closely, the full implications of this correspondence remain to be seen.