Myanmar's Dictator Celebrates US Tariffs, Sees Them as Recognition

While nations worldwide express concern over new U.S. tariffs, Myanmar's military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing, has surprisingly embraced them as a sign of global recognition. His dictatorial government is reportedly touting a formal letter from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the tariffs as if it were an acknowledgment of their legitimacy.

The United States recently announced a 40 percent tariff on Myanmar products, set to take effect on August 1, 2025. This move is significant given that the U.S. and European nations currently do not officially recognize Myanmar's military regime as a legitimate government and have imposed numerous sanctions against it. Yet, General Hlaing, rather than viewing this as an economic blow, perceives it as an opportunity.

General Hlaing: A Controversial Figure

General Hlaing is the leader accused of orchestrating the Rohingya genocide and the 2021 coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence following trials conducted behind closed doors.

Interpreting Tariffs as an Invitation

According to the state-controlled Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, Trump's letter was not only met with "sincere appreciation" but also described by General Hlaing as a symbol of "Myanmar's participation in the US economy." He went further, proposing to send a high-level delegation to the U.S. for discussions. Hlaing also urged the U.S. to consider lifting the existing economic sanctions on Myanmar, arguing that they impede the "common interests and prosperity" of both nations.

Praising Trump, Criticizing Democracy

General Hlaing used the opportunity presented by the letter to lavish praise on President Trump, calling him a "true patriot" and commending his efforts for "global peace." In a move designed to draw parallels, Hlaing also echoed Trump's grievances about alleged rigging in the 2020 U.S. elections, claiming that Myanmar experienced similar "irregularities." This assertion by Hlaing directly contradicts international consensus, which widely considered Myanmar's 2020 elections to be fair and free before the military seized power under the pretext of fraud.