The United States has opened direct talks with Myanmar’s military government, reversing years of isolation since the 2021 coup, Reuters reported on October 8.

Washington is seeking to diversify critical-mineral supply chains away from China, and Myanmar’s deposits have become a recurring topic in the conversations.

Myanmar’s government has been lobbying hard for recognition. According to foreign-agent filings, longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone began consulting for DCI Group on behalf of Myanmar’s information ministry in April.

The shift has drawn sharp criticism at home. Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called it contrary to both American values and interests. He accused Secretary of State Marco Rubio of giving junta chief Min Aung Hlaing greater international legitimacy.

The engagement follows a rare US visit on September 17 that secured the release of detained American businessman Adam Castillo.

The State Department said its engagement with the military government does not diminish US relationships with other groups in Myanmar.