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The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
US drops sanctions on junta allies after general lauds Trump
The United States has lifted sanctions on several allies of Myanmar's ruling general and their military-linked firms, a US Treasury notice shows, after the junta chief sent a glowing letter of praise to President Donald Trump. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing seized power in a 2021 coup, deposing the civilian government and sparking a civil war that has killed thousands, leaving 3.5 million displaced and half the nation in poverty. Two weeks ago, the top general sent a letter to Trump, responding to his threat of tariffs by lauding his presidency with praise, including for shutting down US-funded media outlets covering the conflict. A US Treasury notice on Thursday said sanctions were dropped against KT Services and Logistics, the Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company, and Suntac Technologies, as well as their managers. In a statement, a US Treasury Department spokesperson denied there was an 'ulterior motive' in the move, although the notice did not provide a reason for the removals. 'Anyone suggesting these sanctions were lifted for an ulterior motive is uninformed and peddling a conspiracy theory driven by hatred for President Trump,' said the spokesperson, on condition of anonymity. They added that individuals were 'regularly added and removed' from the sanctions list 'in the ordinary course of business'. KT Services and Logistics and its CEO Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung were described as junta 'cronies' when they were sanctioned in 2022 for leasing Yangon's port from a military firm for US$3mil (RM12.7mil) a year. The Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company and its owner, Aung Hlaing Oo, and Suntac Technologies owner Sit Taing Aung were sanctioned later that year for producing arms, including tanks and mortars. A third Myanmar national, Tin Latt Min – who the US previously described as owning 'various companies that are closely related to the regime' – was also removed from the sanctions list. Trump sent a letter to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing earlier this month, one among a raft of missives despatched to foreign leaders during his global tariff blitz. The letter – believed to be Washington's first public recognition of the junta's rule since the coup – threatened Myanmar with a 40% levy unless a trade deal was struck. Min Aung Hlaing responded with a multi-page letter expressing his 'sincere appreciation' for Trump's message and praising his 'strong leadership'. — AFP
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
US drops sanctions on Myanmar junta allies after Trump praise
A trishaw driver rides as his passenger uses an umbrella to cover themselves from the rain in Yangon on July 21, 2025. -- Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP YANGON (AFP): The United States has lifted sanctions on several allies of Myanmar's ruling general and their military-linked firms, a US Treasury notice shows, after the junta chief sent a glowing letter of praise to President Donald Trump. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing seized power in a 2021 coup, deposing the civilian government and sparking a civil war that has killed thousands, leaving 3.5 million displaced and half the nation in poverty. Two weeks ago, the top general sent a letter to Trump, responding to his threat of tariffs by lauding his presidency with praise, including for shutting down US-funded media outlets covering the conflict. A US Treasury notice on Thursday said sanctions were dropped against KT Services and Logistics, the Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company, and Suntac Technologies -- as well as their managers. In a statement, a US Treasury Department spokesperson denied there was an "ulterior motive" in the move, although the notice did not provide a reason for the removals. "Anyone suggesting these sanctions were lifted for an ulterior motive is uninformed and peddling a conspiracy theory driven by hatred for President Trump," said the spokesperson, on condition of anonymity. They added that individuals were "regularly added and removed" from the sanctions list "in the ordinary course of business." KT Services and Logistics and its CEO Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung were described as junta "cronies" when they were sanctioned in 2022 for leasing Yangon's port from a military firm for $3 million a year. The Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company and its owner, Aung Hlaing Oo, and Suntac Technologies owner Sit Taing Aung were sanctioned later that year for producing arms, including tanks and mortars. A third Myanmar national, Tin Latt Min -- who the US previously described as owning "various companies that are closely related to the regime" -- was also removed from the sanctions list. Trump sent a letter to junta chief Min Aung Hlaing earlier this month, one among a raft of missives despatched to foreign leaders during his global tariff blitz. The letter -- believed to be Washington's first public recognition of the junta's rule since the coup -- threatened Myanmar with a 40 percent levy unless a trade deal was struck. Min Aung Hlaing responded with a multi-page letter expressing his "sincere appreciation" for Trump's message and praising his "strong leadership". - AFP
ABC News
4 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
US drops sanctions on Myanmar junta's allies after military chief praises Donald Trump
The United States has lifted sanctions on several allies of Myanmar's ruling generals and their military-linked companies in a move that has prompted concern from politicians and rights groups. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing seized power in a 2021 coup, deposing the civilian government and sparking a civil war that has killed thousands, displaced 3.5 million left and half the nation in poverty. The US Treasury announcement it would lift the sanctions came two weeks after Min Aung Hlaing sent a glowing letter of praise to US President Donald Trump, in response to his threat of tariffs, and commended him for shutting down US-funded media outlets covering the conflict. Rights groups say the decision risks undermining efforts to hold the country's military regime accountable. The US Treasury said it had dropped sanctions against KT Services & Logistics and its founder, Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung, who were sanctioned in 2022 for leasing Yangon's port from a military-owned firm. Others delisted include the Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company and Suntac Technologies, which were previously sanctioned for producing arms, including tanks and mortars. A US Treasury spokesperson said the removals were conducted "in the ordinary course of business" and declined to explain why the individuals were removed from the list. A senior Trump administration official said the decision was unrelated to the general's letter. John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, described the decision as "extremely worrying" and said it suggested a weakening of the US sanctions regime. "The individuals involved are not marginal players; they have facilitated the junta's arms imports from countries such as China and Russia," analyst Sean Turnell told the ABC. "These are people who are closely tied to Myanmar's war economy. "Lifting sanctions on them sends the wrong message." The sanctions decision comes as Myanmar's military continues deadly air strikes against civilians. In May, a junta air strike on a school in Sagaing region killed 20 students and two teachers, according to local witnesses. The strike was carried out despite a purported humanitarian ceasefire called to help the nation recover from a devastating earthquake. In July, more than 20 civilians, including children, were reportedly killed in another air strike on a monastery sheltering displaced people. Amnesty International data has shown that the military has continued importing aviation fuel despite sanctions, enabling lethal air strikes across the country. This year, the junta's China and Russia-backed forces have clawed back ground on the northern front. State media also said its soldiers managed "to fully retake" the gold mining town of Thabeikkyin this week. Early this month, as part of a slate of import tariffs Mr Trump ordered, Myanmar was notified of a 40 per cent tariff to take effect on August 1. On July 11, Min Aung Hlaing responded by proposing a reduced rate of 10 per cent to 20 per cent. US Democratic Representative Ami Bera, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, said the decision to lift the sanctions "goes against our values of freedom and democracy". However, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said that sanctions delistings "were collected over the last year in accordance with standard Treasury course of business". The US maintains sanctions against Min Aung Hlaing and two state-owned banks, the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB). Mr Turnell said it was important to keep individuals and banks involved in the military's procurement network on the sanctions list as it could complicate efforts to restrict the regime's access to foreign currency, which remains critical for weapons purchases. "Even Myanmar's allies, such as Russia and China, insist on payment in dollars or euros," Mr Turnell said. "That makes financial sanctions one of the most effective levers the US still holds." ABC/wires
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
US lifts some Myanmar sanctions, says no link to general's letter to Trump
The United States has lifted sanctions designations on several allies of Myanmar's ruling generals that had been imposed under the former Biden administration. Trump administration officials said there was no link between the letter and the sanctions decision.(AP) The US Treasury Department announcement on Thursday came two weeks after the head of Myanmar's ruling junta praised President Donald Trump in a letter and called for an easing of sanctions in a letter responding to a tariff warning. Administration officials said there was no link between the letter and the sanctions decision. A notice from the US Treasury Department said KT Services & Logistics and its founder, Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung; the MCM Group and its owner Aung Hlaing Oo; and Suntac Technologies and its owner Sit Taing Aung; and another individual, Tin Latt Min, were being removed from the U.S. sanctions list. The Treasury Department declined to say why the individuals had been removed from the list. In a statement to Reuters, Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender said: "Individuals, including in this case, are regularly added and removed from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) in the ordinary course of business." LETTER ON TARIFFS Early this month, as part of a slate of import tariffs ordered by Trump, Myanmar was notified of a 40% tariff to take effect on August 1. On July 11, Myanmar's ruling military general, Min Aung Hlaing, responded by proposing a reduced rate of 10% to 20%, with Myanmar slashing its levy on U.S. imports to a range of zero to 10%. He said he was ready to send a negotiating team to Washington if needed. "The senior general acknowledged the president's strong leadership in guiding his country towards national prosperity with the spirit of a true patriot," Myanmar state media said at the time. Min Aung Hlaing also asked Trump "to reconsider easing and lifting the economic sanctions imposed on Myanmar, as they hinder the shared interests and prosperity of both countries and their peoples." A senior Trump administration official said the decision to lift sanctions was unrelated to the general's letter. "The decision to lift sanctions reflects a lengthy process that began in the prior administration," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "There is no connection between these decisions and the letter." White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said that sanctions delistings "were collected over the last year in accordance with standard Treasury course of business." John Sifton, Asia advocacy director of Human Rights Watch, called the sanctions move "extremely worrying." "The action suggests a major shift is underway in U.S. policy, which had centred on punitive action against Myanmar's military regime," he said in emailed comments. Myanmar's military overthrew a democratically elected government in 2021 and has been implicated in crimes against humanity and genocide. Kelly rejected the Human Rights Watch comments as "fake news," and a second senior Trump administration official said the sanctions decisions were not indicative of a broader shift in U.S. policy toward Myanmar. ADDED TO SANCTIONS LIST IN 2022 KT Services & Logistics and Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung were added to the sanctions list in January 2022 under the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden in a step timed to mark the first anniversary of the military seizure of power in Myanmar that plunged the country into chaos. Sit Taing Aung and Aung Hlaing Oo were placed on the sanctions list the same year for operating in Myanmar's defence sector. Tin Latt Min, identified as another close associate of the military rulers, was placed on the list in 2024 to mark the third anniversary of the coup. Representative Ami Bera, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Asia subcommittee, in a statement to Reuters, called the decision to lift sanctions against the individuals "a bad idea" that "goes against our values of freedom and democracy." Other U.S. sanctions on Myanmar generals, including on Min Aung Hlaing, remain in place. Myanmar is one of the world's main sources of sought-after rare earth minerals used in high-tech defence and consumer applications. Securing supplies of the minerals is a major focus for the Trump administration in its strategic competition with China, which is responsible for 90% of rare earth processing capacity. Most of Myanmar's rare earth mines are in areas controlled by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), an ethnic group fighting the junta, and are processed in China.
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
US lifts some Myanmar sanctions after general asked Trump for relief
WASHINGTON - The United States lifted sanctions designations on several allies of Myanmar's ruling generals on Thursday, two weeks after the head of the ruling junta praised President Donald Trump and called for an easing of sanctions in a letter responding to a tariff warning. Human Rights Watch called the move "extremely worrying" and said it suggested a major shift was underway in US policy towards Myanmar's military, which overthrew a democratically elected government in 2021 and has been implicated in crimes against humanity and genocide. The US Treasury Department did not give a reason for the move, but Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender said in a statement: "Anyone suggesting these sanctions were lifted for an ulterior motive is uninformed and peddling a conspiracy theory driven by hatred for President Trump." "Individuals, including in this case, are regularly added and removed from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) in the ordinary course of business," he said in a statement. A notice from the US Treasury Department said KT Services & Logistics and its founder, Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung; the MCM Group and its owner Aung Hlaing Oo; and Suntac Technologies and its owner Sit Taing Aung; and another individual, Tin Latt Min, were being removed from the US sanctions list. KT Services & Logistics and Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung were added to the sanctions list in January 2022 under the Biden administration in a step timed to mark the first anniversary of the military seizure of power in Myanmar that plunged the country into chaos. Sit Taing Aung and Aung Hlaing Oo were placed on the sanctions list the same year for operating in Myanmar's defence sector. Tin Latt Min, identified as another close associate of the military rulers, was placed on the list in 2024 to mark the third anniversary of the coup. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. On July 11, Myanmar's ruling military general, Min Aung Hlaing, asked Trump in a letter for a reduction in the 40% tariff rate on his country's exports to the US and said he was ready to send a negotiating team to Washington if needed. "The senior general acknowledged the president's strong leadership in guiding his country towards national prosperity with the spirit of a true patriot," state media said at the time. In his response to a letter from Trump notifying Myanmar of the tariff to take effect on August 1, Min Aung Hlaing proposed a reduced rate of 10% to 20%, with Myanmar slashing its levy on US imports to a range of zero to 10%. Min Aung Hlaing also asked Trump "to reconsider easing and lifting the economic sanctions imposed on Myanmar, as they hinder the shared interests and prosperity of both countries and their peoples." Myanmar is one of the world's main sources of sought-after rare earth minerals used in high-tech defense and consumer applications. Securing supplies of the minerals is a major focus for the Trump administration in its strategic competition with China, which is responsible for 90% of rare earth processing capacity. Most of Myanmar's rare earth mines are in areas controlled by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), an ethnic group fighting the junta, and are processed in China. Representative Ami Bera, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Asia subcommittee in a statement to Reuters called the decision to lift sanctions against the individuals "a bad idea" that "goes against our values of freedom and democracy.' John Sifton, Asia advocacy director of Human Rights Watch, called the U.S. move "shocking" and its motivation unclear. "The action suggests a major shift is underway in US policy, which had centered on punitive action against Myanmar's military regime, which only four years ago carried out a coup d'etat against a democratically elected government and is implicated in crimes against humanity and genocide," he said in an emailed statement. —Reuters
