US Holds Quiet Myanmar Talks as Rare Earth Minerals Come Into Focus

Washington has resumed discussions with Myanmar's military-backed authorities, with analysts pointing to interest in the country's rare-earth resources. The talks reportedly centred on obtaining the release of an American businessman and tackling online scam operations. The engagement comes amid Myanmar's ongoing civil war, which has displaced large numbers of people and weakened the government's control over parts of the country. Kachin State, a region vital for heavy rare-earth minerals, remains marked by fighting. The discussions highlight how resource concerns and security issues are intersecting in US dealings with Myanmar.