Despite losing control of most territories within Myanmar, military council leader Min Aung Hlaing has begun commenting on international affairs. During an interview with RT news agency in Moscow, Russia on May 8, he expressed his views on U.S. import tariff increases and the Ukraine-Russia war. While acknowledging that trade between Myanmar and the United States is not substantial, Min Aung Hlaing criticized the U.S. decision to increase import tariffs, stating it was inappropriate. He detailed that bilateral trade between 2011 and 2025 amounts to approximately $900 million, with annual trade averaging around $800 million, noting that export volumes fluctuate between the two countries in different years.
Min Aung Hlaing pointed out that the United States has increased tariffs not only on Myanmar but also on other allied nations and China. He argued that as a developing country, Myanmar should not face increased tariffs. Regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict, he criticized the European Union and Britain’s military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine, characterizing it as an attempt to exhaust Russia militarily. He emphasized that negotiation and dialogue are the best approaches to resolving conflicts and wars. According to him, conflicts escalate due to external support and aid, suggesting that without such assistance, conflicts would not intensify. He advocated for addressing the root causes of problems to find solutions.
While the military council continues to lose territory within Myanmar to resistance forces, Min Aung Hlaing has expanded his commentary to include international issues such as ASEAN and NATO matters, and advocating for a multipolar world system to prevent conflicts. This marks a notable shift in his public statements, as he attempts to position himself as a commentator on global affairs despite facing significant domestic military setbacks. His statements come at a time when the military council’s control over Myanmar continues to diminish, with various regions falling under the control of resistance forces fighting for democracy and federal governance.
