Key facts
- US and Myanmar officials met in Tokyo last week.
- The talks focused on scam centers and rare-earth minerals.
- The US previously met with Myanmar's leadership in September.
- The US lifted sanctions on a Myanmar businessman's daughter.
The United States and Myanmar's military-backed government held secret talks in Tokyo last week, marking their second meeting in a month as Washington increases engagement with the generals. The discussions, disclosed by people familiar with the matter, involved US Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Michael Vance and more than a dozen US officials, though Myanmar's representatives were not identified. Japan confirmed it had communicated with both sides but declined to comment on specifics. Earlier talks in September focused on shutting down scam centers targeting Americans and securing the release of a US businessman, and may pave the way for broader discussions on Myanmar's rare-earth mineral deposits. The US recently lifted sanctions on the daughter of a businessman accused of supporting Myanmar's military, signaling a new approach. Japan's acting envoy to Myanmar also met with the country's foreign minister this month, indicating Tokyo's own re-engagement efforts.