Reuters – U.S. officials met online with members of the opposition SPDC party on Friday and pledged direct support to help with the transition to civilian government. They agreed on the need to maintain pressure on the military government, the State Department said.
News of the meeting came after China called on neighboring countries to help war-torn Burma develop a process of reconciliation and peace. When the Chinese foreign minister met with dialogue partners from Laos, Burma and Thailand
A US statement said Friday's meeting included State Department adviser Tom Sullivan, USAID assistant administrator Michael Schaefer, leaders of the national unity government, the National Unity Advisory Council, and leaders of major resistance organizations such as the Karen National Union, the Karen National Progressive Party and the Chin National Front.
Myanmar state media reported on Thursday that China has pledged technical assistance in conducting the census, followed by elections, a sign that Beijing is supporting the military government that was ousted by armed groups and continues to lose ground.
Myanmar has been in chaos since 2021, when the military overthrew an elected civilian government in a coup, abruptly halting the country's progress toward full democracy.
In their meeting, Sullivan and the opposition group agreed on the importance of continuing pressure on the military government to change course.
US officials added that Washington will continue to expand support and direct assistance to those who support democracy. To improve our ability to provide critical public services and humanitarian assistance to those in need.
Both sides pledged to work with the international community, including the UN and ASEAN Special Representative for Burma, to end the crisis.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the situation in Myanmar was worrying. He recommended neighboring countries to strengthen cooperation with Burma to create economic and social conditions that prevent conflict.
He said China supports Burma's democratic transition and regional plans to find a way out of the ongoing crisis.
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