US 'quietly re-engages' with Myanmar's military junta in secret Tokyo talks, reversing post-coup policy

Washington has held a second round of secret talks with Myanmar's military-backed government in Tokyo, marking its first direct diplomatic engagement with the junta since it seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. US assistant secretary of state Michael Vance led a delegation of over a dozen American officials at last week's meeting. The move represents a significant reversal of post-coup policy that previously imposed sanctions and backed pro-democracy forces.

An earlier round of talks took place in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw in mid-September, focused on freeing a detained American businessman and shutting down scam centres targeting Americans.

Broader discussions are expected to follow, with Myanmar's rare-earth mineral deposits likely to feature as Washington eyes strategic resources in the region.

Japan hosted the Tokyo talks and confirmed it had been 'communicating as necessary' with both sides, but declined to comment on specific diplomatic exchanges.