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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Rebecca Ratcliffe South-east Asia correspondent

Shunned Myanmar leader thrilled at US contact after Trump tariff letter

Min Aung Hlaing standing in a military uniform covered in medals
US diplomats do not officially engage with Min Aung Hlaing or the ruling junta. Photograph: Aung Shine Oo/AP

Myanmar’s military leader has praised Donald Trump and asked him to lift sanctions, as the junta sought to capitalise on a tariff letter from the US president believed to be Washington’s first public recognition of its rule.

Min Aung Hlaing, who has been in power since a 2021 coup, expressed his “sincere appreciation” for Trump’s letter, which threatened a tariff of 40% on its goods, and commended the US president for his “strong leadership” and for guiding the US “toward national prosperity with the spirit of a true patriot”.

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