According to military sources in Naypyidaw, military leadership circles are viewing positively the United States’ decision to remove economic sanctions on four Myanmar cronies and arms brokers. On July 25, the U.S. Department of Treasury lifted economic sanctions against four business figures with ties to the military council: Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung, owner of KT Services & Logistics; Aung Hlaing Oo, owner of MCM Group; Sit Taing Aung, owner of Suntac Technologies; and Tin Latt Min, owner of Shwe Byaing Phyu Company.
Military circles in Naypyidaw have been attributing this sanctions removal to a letter sent by military leader Min Aung Hlaing to the U.S. President, and have been praising him for this perceived achievement. However, the U.S. government has clearly stated that the removal of these sanctions has no connection to Min Aung Hlaing’s letter. The military is attempting various approaches to improve relations with the United States and is also working to reclaim Myanmar’s permanent representative position at the United Nations, currently held by Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun. The military council’s efforts are being led by Foreign Minister Than Swe, military council advisor and Central Bank director Dr. Zaw Oo, along with some pro-military individuals based in the United States and the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank (MNTT) led by U Ko Ko.
Sources indicate that Min Aung Hlaing himself has directly authorized necessary financial expenditures and delegated authority for these diplomatic efforts. Additionally, a military council delegation is reportedly planning to visit the United States soon to discuss bilateral taxation matters. This delegation is being organized by Foreign Minister Than Swe, though the specific members of the delegation have not yet been disclosed. The military council appears to be placing significant hope on these diplomatic initiatives, despite the U.S. government’s clear stance that the sanctions removal is unrelated to any military council overtures.
