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The Star
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Trump team hears pitches on access to Myanmar's rare earths
WASHINGTON/BANGKOK: The Trump administration has heard competing proposals that would significantly alter longstanding US policy toward Myanmar, with the aim of diverting its vast supplies of rare earth minerals away from strategic rival China, four people with direct knowledge of the discussions said. Nothing has been decided and experts say there are huge logistical obstacles, but if the ideas are ever acted upon, Washington may need to strike a deal with the ethnic rebels controlling most of Myanmar's rich deposits of heavy rare earths. Among the proposals are one advocating talks with Myanmar's ruling junta to get a peace deal with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) rebels and another calling for the US to instead work directly with the KIA without engaging the junta. Washington has avoided direct talks with the country's military leaders following their overthrow of the country's democratically elected government in 2021. The ideas have been proposed to administration officials by a US business lobbyist, a former adviser to Aung San Suu Kyi, in indirect talks with the KIA and some outside experts, the sources said. The conversations have not previously been reported. Rare earths are a group of 17 metals used to make magnets that turn power into motion. So-called heavy rare earths are used to build fighter jets and other high-performance weaponry. The US produces very small amounts of heavy rare earths and is reliant on imports. Securing supplies of the minerals is a major focus of the Trump administration in its strategic competition with China, which is responsible for nearly 90 per cent of global processing capacity, according to the International Energy Agency. Engaging the junta would be a sharp departure for the United States, given US sanctions on the military leaders and the violence committed against the Rohingya minority that Washington calls genocide and crimes against humanity. Last week, the Trump administration lifted sanctions designations on several junta allies, but US officials said this does not indicate any broader shift in US policy toward Myanmar. The ideas pitched to the US administration also include easing US President Donald Trump's threatened 40 per cent tariffs on the country, pulling back sanctions against the junta and its allies, working with India to process some heavy rare earths exported from Myanmar, and appointing a special envoy to execute these tasks, people familiar with the matter said. Some of these suggestions were discussed in a July 17 meeting in Vice President J. D. Vance's offices that included Adam Castillo, a former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar who runs a security firm in the country, a person close to Vance's office said. Among those present were advisers to Vance on Asian affairs and trade. Vance himself did not attend, the source said. Castillo told Reuters he suggested to US officials that the United States could play a peace-broker role in Myanmar and urged Washington to take a page out of China's playbook by first brokering a bilateral self-governance deal between the Myanmar military and the KIA. Myanmar's ruling junta and the KIA did not respond to a request for comment. While Vance's office declined to comment on Castillo's visit to the White House, one person familiar with the situation said the Trump administration has been reviewing policy on Myanmar since Trump's January inauguration and had weighed direct discussions with the junta over trade and tariffs. The White House declined to comment. The White House discussions were described as exploratory and in early stages by people familiar with them, who added the talks may result in no shift in strategy at all by Trump, given the administration's wariness about intervening in foreign conflicts and in Myanmar's complex crisis. "The officials took this meeting as a courtesy to the American business community and to support President Trump's efforts to balance the US$579 (million) trade deficit with Burma," a senior administration official said when asked about the July 17 meeting. Castillo, who describes Myanmar's rare earth deposits as China's "golden goose," said he told US officials that key ethnic armed groups - particularly the KIA - were tired of being exploited by China and wanted to work with the United States. Mines in Myanmar's Kachin region are major producers of heavy rare earths that are exported to China for processing. He said he had repeatedly urged officials in Washington to pursue a deal with the KIA that includes cooperation with US partners in the Quad grouping - specifically India - for resource processing and eventual heavy rare earths supply to the United States. The so-called Quad grouping brings together the United States with India, as well as Australia and Japan. India's Ministry of Mines did not respond to an email seeking comment. An Indian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was unaware of whether the Trump administration had communicated any such plan to India but stressed that such a move would take several years to materialise because it would require infrastructure to be built for processing rare earths. Another pitch to the White House was more in line with the Myanmar policy Trump inherited from former President Joe Biden. Sean Turnell, an Australian economist and former adviser to Suu Kyi, whose government the junta toppled in 2021, said his rare earths proposal was to encourage the Trump administration to continue supporting Myanmar's democratic forces. In a visit to Washington earlier this year, Turnell said he met with officials from the State Department, the White House National Security Council and Congress, and urged continued support for the country's opposition. "One of the pitches was that the US could access rare earths via KIA etc," he said, adding that the group wants to diversify away from China. There have also been multiple discussions between US officials and the Kachin rebel group on rare earths through interlocutors in recent months, said a person with knowledge of the talks, which have not previously been reported. In the years since the coup, Myanmar has been ravaged by civil war and the junta and its allies have been pushed out of much of the country's borderlands, including the rare earths mining belt currently under control of the KIA. A rare earths industry source said that US officials had reached out around three months ago, following the Kachin takeover of the Chipwe-Pangwa mining belt, to ask for an overview of the Kachin rare earths mining industry. The person added that any new, major rare earths supply chain, which would require moving the minerals out of remote and mountainous Kachin State into India and onward, may not be feasible. Swedish author Bertil Lintner, a leading expert on Kachin State, said the idea of the United States obtaining rare earths from Myanmar from under the nose of China seemed "totally crazy" given the unforgiving mountainous terrain and primitive logistics. "If they want to transport the rare earths from these mines, which are all on the Chinese border, to India, there's only one road," Lintner said. "And the Chinese would certainly step in and stop it." For its part, the junta appears eager to engage with Washington after years of isolation. When Trump threatened new tariffs on Myanmar's US-bound exports this month as part of his global trade offensive, he did so in a signed letter addressed personally to the junta's chief, Min Aung Hlaing. Min Aung Hlaing responded by lavishing praise on Trump for his "strong leadership" while asking for lower rates and the lifting of sanctions. He said he was ready to send a negotiating team to Washington, if needed. Senior Trump administration officials said the decision to lift some sanctions was unrelated to the general's letter. - Reuters
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Thailand says open to Malaysia mediating in Cambodia conflict
Find out what's new on ST website and app. A Thai military mobile unit fires towards Cambodia's side after Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery on July 25. BANGKOK - Thailand is open to Malaysia mediating in efforts to find a negotiated solution to its bloody conflict with Cambodia, its foreign ministry spokesman told AFP on July 25. The two neighbours are locked in their most intense fighting in more than a decade, battling with artillery and ground troops over sections of their disputed 800km border. The crisis will come before the UN Security Council on July 25 and multiple major powers have called for a ceasefire and negotiations. Thai foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. 'We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far we have not had any response,' Mr Nikorndej told AFP. Malaysia currently holds the chair of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) regional bloc, of which Thailand and Cambodia are both members. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a Facebook post late on July 24 he had spoken with Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Singapore Etomidate found in blood of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA Singapore More students to get Smart Buddy watches; most schools to go cashless by end-2025 Singapore Vape disposal bins at 23 CCs for users to surrender e-vaporisers, without facing penalties Business Microsoft Singapore managing director Lee Hui Li dies while on sabbatical Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly He called on both sides to stop fighting and seek a diplomatic solution. 'I welcome the positive signals and willingness shown by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to consider this path forward,' he wrote. Mr Nikorndej said that in the call, Datuk Seri Anwar sought to explore 'whether we can deescalate the situation... whether there is the possibility to hold talks'. But the two sides traded deadly artillery salvos on July 25 for a second day, with Mr Phumtham warning of a risk that the clashes could develop into war. AFP
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Thai officials tap Thaksin for Trump tariff strategy talks
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Thai DPM Pichai Chunhavajira invited former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to join a meeting to discuss the looming trade challenge. BANGKOK - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister invited former premier Thaksin Shinawatra to a high-level meeting as Bangkok prepares for looming US import duties. Thai authorities are scrambling to formulate a response after the United States confirmed it would impose a 36 per cent import tariff on Thai goods starting Aug 1, 2025. In a significant move, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealed on July 11 that he invited former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to join a 'team Thailand' meeting to discuss the looming trade challenge. The high-stakes meeting at Phitsanulok House, which lasted approximately three hours, included advisers to the current prime minister, as well as ministers and permanent secretaries from the ministries of commerce, foreign affairs, agriculture and cooperatives, and industry. Its primary objective was to strategise how to address Washington's confirmed tariff hike. Mr Pichai stated that while a final agreement with the US has not yet been reached, US President Donald Trump's letter effectively grants Thailand an extension to review new proposals until the Aug 1 deadline. Discussions on July 11, he explained, aimed to gather detailed information from various sectors. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore boosts nuclear viability, safety research with new institute and $66m in additional funding Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term Singapore More than 14,300 people checked during 7-week-long anti-crime ops Singapore Over 150 e-bikes and other non-compliant mobility devices impounded in last 2 months: LTA Life Anti-smoking advisory in new plaque for controversial samsui woman mural Singapore Over 12,000 lower-income households to receive $60 in transport vouchers by end-July Business CEO salaries: At Singapore's top companies, whose pay went up and whose saw a drop? Singapore NDP 2025: Leopard tank transmission fault identified, vehicle to resume role in mobile column Following consultations with the private sector on July 10 , on the anticipated impacts and mitigation measures, Mr Pichai expects a clearer conclusion on supporting strategies for affected industries by July 14 . The discussions yielded a consensus on key negotiation approaches with the United States. Firstly, any import of US goods must not detrimentally affect domestic producers, particularly in the agricultural and small-scale industrial sectors. Secondly, while some US products might need to be imported, strict oversight will be maintained to prevent undesirable items from entering the country, simultaneously boosting import and export efficiency. 'We've discussed various supporting and assistance measures that will be rolled out,' Mr Pichai added. 'We'll now delve into the specifics, as we already have the general principles for how to handle the agricultural sector and small-scale industries.' The Thai government has already submitted additional proposals to the US. Mr Pichai affirmed that Thailand is 'on the right track' and will now re-examine the details on a product-by-product basis. While he believes any further proposals would be minor, he is prepared to travel for negotiations if necessary. When questioned about the former premier's presence, Mr Pichai confirmed he personally extended the invitation, citing Thaksin's extensive knowledge on such matters as potentially offering valuable insights. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Sinar Daily
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Thailand closes border crossings with Cambodia amid disputes
Effective since June 23, 2025 (Monday), the measures include the suspension of all cross-border travel, trade and vehicle movement, except for essential humanitarian cases such as urgent medical care and educational needs. 24 Jun 2025 04:17pm Cambodian police officials stand next to the closed gate at Poipet International border checkpoint between Cambodia-Thailand, at Poipet town in Banteay Meanchey province on June 24, 2025. Thailand's army closed border crossings with Cambodia in six provinces on June 23 to all vehicles and foot passengers except students and people seeking medical treatment, as a territorial row between the neighbours rages. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP) BANGKOK - Thailand has closed all border crossings in seven provinces and suspended cross-border movement of people, vehicles, and trade along the Thai-Cambodian border to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure public safety, amid an ongoing border dispute. In a statement, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) spokesperson, Major General Winthai Suvaree said the tightened border control measures are in line with government policy and directives from the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, aimed at combating transnational crimes, including call centre and hybrid scam operations. Thai Police personnel stand guard at the closed Ban Khlong Luek International Border Checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia, in Aranyaprathet district of Thailand's Sa Kaeo province on June 24, 2025. Thailand's army closed border crossings with Cambodia in six provinces on June 23 to all vehicles and foot passengers except students and people seeking medical treatment, as a territorial row between the neighbours rages. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) "Effective since June 23, 2025 (Monday), the measures include the suspension of all cross-border travel, trade and vehicle movement, except for essential humanitarian cases such as urgent medical care and educational needs. These cases will be considered by local military units. "These actions aim to address ongoing security tensions and have proven effective in disrupting call centre and hybrid scam operations that pose a threat to Thai citizens,' he said in a statement. According to Thai government data, Thailand operates 17 official border crossings with Cambodia, spanning seven provinces along their shared 817-kilometre frontier. The measures were initiated on June 7 and further tightened on June 23, covering key provinces including Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, and Sa Kaeo. The Royal Thai Army reiterated its commitment to balancing national security priorities with humanitarian considerations to ensure the safety and welfare of all affected communities. On Sunday, Cambodia declared that it would cease importing fuel and gas from Thailand and issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand. Earlier this year, Thailand adopted similar measures against online scam operations in Myanmar. The crackdown included cutting electricity, internet, and gas supplies to border towns associated with the scams. - BERNAMA
Chicago Tribune
08-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
As China and the US spar, countries brainstorm over how to cope with the trade war
BANGKOK — U.S. President Donald Trump and China sparred over tariff hikes and other retaliatory moves on Tuesday, as governments elsewhere were brainstorming strategies to cope with the trade war between the global economic giants. China said it will 'fight to the end' and take countermeasures against the United States to safeguard its own interests after President Donald Trump threatened an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports in retaliation for Beijing's backlash against the 34% tariffs he ordered on his April 2 'Liberation Day.' 'The U.S. threat to escalate tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake and once again exposes the blackmailing nature of the US. China will never accept this,' the Commerce Ministry said in a statement read on state-run broadcaster CCTV. When asked about the possibility of talks between Washington and Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said 'I think what the US has done doesn't reflect a willingness for sincere dialogue. If the US really wants to engage in dialogue, it should adopt an attitude of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit.' Meanwhile, Chinese state-run companies were told to help support the country's financial markets after they were hit by massive saves of selling on Monday. While world markets calmed somewhat after frenzied selling over two trading sessions that wiped out trillions of dollars worth of wealth, leaders in Asia shifted into damage control mode. Help for Japan's automakers and steel mills Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba spoke with Trump late Monday and then convened a task force Tuesday to mitigate damage from the 24% U.S. tariffs imposed on Washington's biggest ally in Asia. Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa was appointed lead trade negotiator and senior officials were dispatched to Washington to follow up on the Ishiba's talk with Trump. Ishiba told his ministers to do their utmost to get Trump to reconsider and also to mitigate the impact from the U.S. 'reciprocal' tariffs, which he said would be a blow to all industries, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. India wants a deal India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio late Monday, pitching for an early conclusion of negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. India, which faces a 26% tariff on its exports to the U.S., is hoping for concessions as part of the trade deal. A first tranche of the agreement is expected by this fall. Washington wants India to allow more open market access for U.S. dairy and other farm products, but New Delhi has balked at that since farming employs the bulk of India's workforce. India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal planned to meet with exporters Wednesday to gauge the potential impact and cushion the economy from the tariffs. A State Department statement said Rubio and Jaishankar discussed ways to deepen collaboration, the tariffs and 'how to make progress toward a fair and balanced trade relationship.' Malaysia promises 'soft diplomacy' response Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his government and other Southeast Asian countries would send officials to Washington to discuss the tariffs and it was working to build a consensus on a unified response among the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as they convened an investment conference in Kuala Lumpur. 'We do not believe in megaphone diplomacy,' Anwar said, 'As part of our soft diplomacy of quiet engagement, we will be dispatching together with our colleagues in ASEAN our officials in Washington to begin the process of dialogue.' Still, he chided the U.S., saying Malaysia's trade with the U.S. had long been a model of mutual gain, with its exports supporting Malaysia's growth as well as high-quality jobs for Americans. The 24% tariff recently imposed on Malaysian imports was 'harming all' and might have negative impact on both economies, he said. Anwar said Malaysia would stick to a policy of diversifying its trade at a time of uncertainty over globalization and changing supply chains. Hong Kong vows more, not less, open trade In Hong Kong, which has a free-trade policy and operates as a free port with few trade barriers, Chief Executive John Lee echoed Beijing in blasting Trump's tariffs as 'bullying' and 'ruthless behavior' he said had damaged trade and raised global uncertainty. Lee said the former British colony, which came under Beijing's control in 1997 but has limited autonomy, would draw closer to the Chinese mainland, sign more free trade agreements and strive to attract more foreign investment to help blunt the impact of the higher U.S. duties.
