Myanmar has been among the most commodity-rich nations on the planet, with significant resources including rare earths. (VCG pic)WASHINGTON: The US plans to deepen engagement with Myanmar’s military-backed government to counter China’s influence and gain access to the war-torn nation’s vast rare-earth deposits.
According to a state department strategy document published last month, the US aims to become a “major trading partner and supplier” in Myanmar and see the Southeast Asian nation triple imports of American goods and agriculture products by 2030.
It also plans to take an active role in nationwide peace discussions over the same period “to increase US influence and create an environment for US investment over other regional actors”.
