In a renewed show of commitment to Myanmar’s democratic opposition, the United States has vowed to increase its direct support to the Southeast Asian nation’s pro-democracy forces. This pledge came just days after China publicly endorsed the military junta’s transition plans, signaling a clear divide between the global powers over the future of Myanmar.
On Friday, August 16, two senior US officials met virtually with representatives of Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG), a coalition composed predominantly of lawmakers ousted in the 2021 coup. The meeting also included key ethnic resistance groups such as the Karen National Union, Karenni National Progressive Party, and the Chin National Front. These groups have remained steadfast in their opposition to the military takeover and have continued to fight for a democratic future for Myanmar.
The State Department, in its statement following the meeting, commended the collaborative efforts of these groups in establishing a pathway toward an inclusive federal democratic Burma, using the country’s former name. The US officials emphasized that Washington would continue to expand its direct support and assistance to pro-democracy actors in Myanmar. This assistance is intended to help these groups develop concrete steps toward a full transition to civilian governance that genuinely respects the will of the Burmese people.
The officials representing the United States in this high-stakes meeting were Tom Sullivan, a senior advisor to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Michael Schiffer, the top official for Asia at the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Their involvement underscores the significance the Biden administration places on supporting democratic forces in Myanmar, particularly in the face of increasing influence from China.
The 2021 military coup in Myanmar effectively ended a decade-long experiment in democracy, an experiment that had been strongly supported by the United States. Since the coup, Myanmar has descended into chaos, with the military struggling to maintain control over various parts of the country. The junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, has faced widespread armed resistance from ethnic minority groups and pro-democracy forces.
Beijing, however, has remained a steadfast ally of the junta, supplying arms and political support. Earlier this week, General Min Aung Hlaing met with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who reiterated Beijing’s support for the junta’s plans for a political transition that ostensibly includes elections. Despite these promises, the military regime has repeatedly postponed the timeline for holding elections, raising concerns over its commitment to a genuine democratic transition.
China’s position in the region is significant, as it shares a border with Myanmar and has considerable economic and strategic interests in the country. Wang Yi, during his visit, urged Myanmar’s neighboring countries to assist in advancing the nation’s peace and reconciliation process. He also signaled China’s support for technical assistance in conducting a national census, which is seen as a precursor to any future elections. This technical support from Beijing is a clear indication of its intent to bolster the junta’s legitimacy on the international stage.
The timing of the US meeting with Myanmar’s opposition movement, coming shortly after Wang Yi’s endorsement of the junta, highlights the growing geopolitical rivalry between Washington and Beijing in Southeast Asia. While China advocates for a more hands-off approach, encouraging regional cooperation with the junta, the United States continues to press for a more direct confrontation with the military regime.
During their discussions, the US officials and Myanmar’s opposition leaders concurred on the necessity of maintaining pressure on the military junta. They agreed that the international community must play a crucial role in forcing the regime to change its current course. This approach contrasts sharply with China’s call for cooperation with the junta to create conditions that prevent further conflict.
In addition to pledging continued support, the US representatives emphasized the importance of building the cohesion and capability of pro-democracy groups. This support is aimed at improving their ability to deliver essential public services and humanitarian aid to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. The United States also reiterated its commitment to working closely with international partners, including the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to bring an end to the crisis in Myanmar.
The situation in Myanmar remains dire, with the junta increasingly cornered by both internal and external pressures. The armed resistance against the military is gaining ground, and the junta’s hold on power appears to be weakening. Meanwhile, China’s continued support for the junta complicates international efforts to isolate the regime and push for a democratic transition.
As the geopolitical tug-of-war between the United States and China plays out in Myanmar, the future of the country’s democratic aspirations hangs in the balance. The US’s renewed commitment to supporting pro-democracy forces is a clear message that Washington has no intention of abandoning the Burmese people’s struggle for freedom. However, with Beijing backing the junta, the road to democracy in Myanmar is fraught with challenges.
In this complex and volatile environment, the actions of both global powers will significantly impact Myanmar’s future, determining whether the country will emerge as a democratic state or remain under the grip of military rule.
