US renews support for Myanmar opposition as China's FM meets junta
The United States promised to keep supporting Myanmar's opposition party, after China endorsed the transition plans of the ruling military junta.
Two high-ranking US officials held virtual meetings with the shadow National Unity Government, primarily composed of lawmakers ousted in the 2021 coup, as well as with key ethnic rebel groups, including the Karen National Union.
According to the State Department, the US officials praised these groups for their collaborative efforts to create a pathway toward an inclusive federal democratic Myanmar, referring to the country by its former name, Burma.
The US reiterated its commitment to expanding direct support and assistance to pro-democracy actors, emphasizing the development of concrete steps towards a complete transition to civilian governance that respects the will of the Burmese people.
The US officials involved in the meeting were Tom Sullivan, a senior advisor to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Michael Schiffer, the top Asia official at the US Agency for International Development.
Myanmar's military coup disrupted a decade-long experiment in democracy, which had been supported by the United States. The military takeover has resulted in widespread turmoil, with the junta struggling to maintain control in parts of the country.
China, a significant ally and arms supplier to Myanmar's military, continues to support the junta. The junta's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, recently met with China's visiting foreign minister, Wang Yi.
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