The U.S. considers bypassing China to obtain Myanmar's rare earth resources

Trump eyes Myanmar's rare earths, considering India's assistance in transportation

China is trying to obtain rare earths from Myanmar under the nose of China. This is a new plan being considered by the White House. According to sources from the White House, Trump is considering changing the policy toward Myanmar to obtain its rare earth resources and reduce dependence on China. The proposals currently under consideration include negotiating with the Burmese military government to achieve a peace agreement with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), or directly cooperating with the KIA, bypassing the military government (because the United States has imposed sanctions on it since the 2021 military coup).

These ideas were proposed by American business lobbyists, former advisors to Aung San Suu Kyi, and experts, involving Trump relaxing the previously threatened 40% tariffs and revoking sanctions against the military government and its allies. They suggested working together with Quad, especially India, to handle Myanmar's rare earth resources and ultimately supply them to the United States.

It is understood that Myanmar's mines support 40% of China's rare earth imports. Myanmar's rare earth mines are mainly concentrated in areas such as Kachin State and Shan State, near the Yunnan border of China, and are important sources of medium and heavy rare earths globally, exported to China for processing. For example, the Pangwa area in Kachin State, which has been controlled by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) since October 2024, controls almost all of Myanmar's rare earth mines.

Some analysts believe that the idea of obtaining Myanmar's rare earths under China's nose is "completely crazy," because of the rugged terrain, poor logistics, and possible Chinese intervention. The only road to India is vulnerable to Chinese influence. It is unlikely for the US to build a viable supply chain from the Kachin mountains to India.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839067435843593/

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