Politics · United States · 3 hrs ago
US contacts with Myanmar junta suggest a shift in policy
A senior US official met Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, on 15 and 16 September.
Since the military coup in 2021, Washington has largely avoided official contact with the junta and imposed targeted sanctions on people seen as supporting it.
The meeting's stated aim was to secure the release of US citizen Adam Castillo, who had been detained in June over a dispute with the local American Chamber of Commerce.
The meeting and the removal of some business figures from the US sanctions list point to a possible change in policy towards Myanmar's military government.
Min Aung Hlaing seized power from the elected government, and the coup led to a civil war that has devastated much of the country.
The US has not announced a full policy change, and what comes next remains unclear.
A senior US official met Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing in September, in the highest-level US meeting with him since he took power.
The meeting and the removal of some business figures from US sanctions suggest a possible shift in Washington’s policy toward Myanmar’s military government.
Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Michael Vance met Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw on 15 and 16 September.
The stated focus was securing the release of US citizen Adam Castillo, detained in June.
The meeting followed earlier contacts and moves that included a US tariff warning and lobbying contracts for the Myanmar military government.
- Who
- US Assistant Secretary of State Michael Vance and Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing.
- What
- They met in the highest-level US meeting with Min Aung Hlaing since he seized power. The contact suggests a possible shift in US policy.
- When
- 15 and 16 September; the article was published on 20 October 2026.
- Where
- Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
- Why
- The stated focus was securing the release of US citizen Adam Castillo, detained in June. The article says they almost certainly discussed other matters of mutual interest.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Min Aung Hlaing received a letter from President Donald Trump warning that Myanmar would face 40% tariffs.
Adam Castillo was detained over a dispute with the local American Chamber of Commerce.
Vance met Burmese officials in Tokyo.
Vance met Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw.
Vance met Burmese officials in Tokyo again, according to the article.
- Meeting dates
- 15 and 16 September
- Meeting place
- Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
- US official
- Michael Vance, Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research
- Stated focus
- Securing the release of Adam Castillo
- Tariff warning
- 40% tariffs on Myanmar
- Lobbying contract
- Myanmar’s military government signed a $3 million contract with DCI
What people are saying
sincere appreciation for this encouraging invitation to continue participating in the extraordinary Economy of the United States, the Number One Market in the World
It is with great esteem that I wish to acknowledge Your Excellency's strong leadership in guiding your country toward national prosperity with the spirit of a true patriot.