The US’s Myanmar Policy is All Wrong

Brahma Chellaney

14 July 20235 Minute Read

Back in charge: Myanmar's junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing inspects his troops during a ceremony in March 2022. Image: Newscom / Alamy

China’s rapidly growing footprint in Myanmar is the US’s strategic loss, and it is the direct result of the US's own policies. Rather than closing the door on dialogue by imposing stringent sanctions, the US should be co-opting Myanmar's military leaders for its own strategic benefit.