General Min has finally waited for the lifting of some sanctions! The U.S. Department of Treasury announced in late July to lift sanctions on several allies of the Burmese military government. However, starting from August 1st, the United States will formally impose a 40% tariff on Myanmar. General Min responded by suggesting that the U.S. reduce the tariff on Myanmar to 10% or 20%, while Myanmar would reduce the tariff on U.S. goods to 0% to 10%, and expressed willingness to send a negotiation team to the U.S. General Min hopes that the U.S. will relax or even lift economic sanctions against Myanmar.
Notably, Myanmar is the third largest producer of rare earths in the world after China and the United States. In 2024, the production of dysprosium and terbium accounted for nearly 50% of the global total, widely used in manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, and some military equipment.
U.S. officials have repeatedly denied the removal of related sanctions, which are associated with General Min's proposal for the U.S. to lift economic sanctions against Myanmar.
In the view of the blogger, this is a case of "there is no silver here," which is the truth!
Currently, General Min has received a favorable development from the U.S. Because President Trump is a pragmatist; he doesn't care about sanctions or not, he only cares whether the other party can bring him benefits or more profit sharing, which is the first thing to consider. Now, the U.S. suddenly raised the tariff on Myanmar to 40%, which is very unreasonable.
But to show a certain sincerity, using a carrot and stick approach towards Myanmar, one needs to release sincerity. Therefore, lifting some sanctions on Myanmar is a unique way of the U.S. For example, I charge you high tariffs, but I also released goodwill by lifting sanctions on four major arms suppliers, which is a kind of settlement for Myanmar.
No matter what, General Min feels a bit surprised at the U.S. recognition of himself. Now, he has finally been recognized by the U.S. Because since February 2021, when General Min launched a military coup and took over the Burmese military government, he has been isolated and excluded from the international community, and has not been recognized. But now, General Min can get the recognition of the U.S., and can get more attention.
The reason why General Min is happy despite the high tariff is mainly because of this: General Min wants his identity to be recognized by the U.S., which is the most important. No matter what, General Min's trade volume with the U.S. is not large, and now having such a communication opportunity is already a progress.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838974803308615/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.