US holds secret Myanmar talks as rare earth minerals at stake
The United States has engaged in secret diplomatic talks with Myanmar's military-backed government to discuss regional stability and potential access to critical rare-earth mineral deposits. These discussions aim to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains while addressing ongoing civil conflict and humanitarian concerns in the region.
Why it matters
Securing rare-earth minerals is a strategic priority for the US to counter China's dominance in the global technology supply chain.
The United States has held another round of secret talks with Myanmar’s military-backed rulers, signalling renewed engagement with a country whose strategic importance is growing amid competition over critical minerals and China’s dominance of rare-earth supply chains.According to Reuters, citing three people familiar with the matter, the latest meeting took place in Tokyo last week, marking the second round of talks between the two sides in a month. The US delegation was led by Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Michael Vance and reportedly included more than a dozen officials.The meeting followed a mid-September visit by Vance to Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s capital, where he met military-backed President Min Aung Hlaing.
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