TOKYO, October 17, 2026 — The United States and Myanmar’s military-backed government held their second secret meeting in Tokyo last week, continuing a quiet diplomatic push that began with a visit to Naypyitaw in mid-September.
Talks Focus on Scam Centers and American Detainee
The discussions in Tokyo followed earlier talks in Myanmar’s capital, where US officials sought the release of an American businessman and the shutdown of scam centers targeting Americans, according to sources familiar with the matter. US Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Michael Vance led the Tokyo delegation, which included more than a dozen officials. The State Department said it engages with all groups in Myanmar on issues affecting US interests, though it did not comment on the specifics of the latest meeting. Japan’s Foreign Ministry said it had been communicating as necessary with both sides but declined to comment on the diplomatic exchanges.
Rare Earth Deposits Complicated by Conflict
US officials have also discussed access to Myanmar’s large deposits of heavy rare earths, which are used in products ranging from electric vehicles to wind turbines. The deposits are largely located in territory controlled by ethnic armed groups fighting the military, while China, the main buyer of Myanmar rare earths, could balk at any US role. Myanmar’s Kachin State is a major source of heavy rare earths, including dysprosium and terbium, used in high-performance magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines. Reuters reported in July that nearly half the world’s heavy rare-earth supply comes from mines in the state, with much of the output shipped to China for processing.
Sanctions Lifted on Businessman’s Daughter
The US last week lifted sanctions on the daughter of a Myanmar businessman accused of supporting the country’s military, saying the move was part of a new approach to the country. The State Department said this approach highlights the importance of pursuing dialogue with all groups involved in Burma’s civil war and commits to re-examining the range of tools the United States has historically used to promote core interests in the country. Min Aung Hlaing remains under US sanctions for human rights abuses, including for his role in the coup and crushing a subsequent popular uprising, and the 2016-2017 mass killings and expulsions of Rohingya Muslims that Washington declared a genocide.
Strategic Interest Amid Civil War
The renewed diplomatic outreach comes as Myanmar continues to grapple with a civil war that erupted after the military overthrew the elected government in February 2021. The military-backed administration faces resistance from pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed organisations that control significant areas of the country. The conflict has caused widespread displacement and left large parts of Myanmar outside the central government’s effective control. Myanmar’s rare-earth deposits are emerging as a strategic prize as the US reopens talks with the country’s military-backed rulers, seeking alternatives to China-dominated supply chains. However, armed groups controlling key mining areas and Myanmar’s ongoing civil war could complicate access. India is also exploring Myanmar’s rare-earth resources, with two Indian delegations visiting the country in December 2024 and February 2026 to explore critical minerals.
Scam Hubs Linked to Military Funding
Researchers say many scam operations are based in areas controlled by army-backed militia, with some proceeds flowing to the military, raising doubts about whether Myanmar’s leaders are serious about enforcement.
Myanmar’s military-backed government has said it is participating in a multinational effort to curb scam centres.
A major focus of the US push is securing Myanmar’s help in shutting down scam hubs that run romance and other frauds and have swindled Americans out of billions of dollars, the people said.
Sources
- U.S. holds more secret talks with Myanmar’s military-backed rulers in Tokyo, sources say
- Exclusive-US holds more secret talks with Myanmar’s military-backed rulers in Tokyo, sources say
- US holds secret Myanmar talks as rare earth minerals at stake
Photo: Пресс-служба Совета Федерации / wikimedia (CC BY 4.0)
