The United States support plays a crucial role in Myanmar’s democracy movement. However, the victory of the recent US presidential election by Donald Trump has raised concerns among Myanmar democracy activists. Political observers have predicted that Myanmar may experience reduced U.S. support for its affairs, budget cuts for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on humanitarian aid, and stricter immigration policies for Myanmar citizens in the U.S, following the inauguration of the new U.S. government led by Donald Trump.
In this regard, Phil Robertson, a human rights expert based in Thailand, noted that under the Trump administration, the U.S. will likely have a limited role in Myanmar’s affairs. Furthermore, Donald Trump is unlikely to take a particular interest in Myanmar’s affairs, focusing primarily on trade between the two countries. However, trade between Myanmar and the U.S. is currently quite limited, he added. 1
On 12 November, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Washington, D.C., where they strongly condemned the ongoing violence against civilians in Myanmar. The U.S. also reached an agreement with the Thai government to resettle approximately 700,000 Myanmar refugees from the Thai-Myanmar border in the United States. Discussions between the two countries have also taken place on this matter. 2
South Korea has agreed to extend the validity of expired passports for Myanmar nationals by two years due to humanitarian reasons. The Immigration Department of South Korea made this decision after the representative office of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) intervened, as the Myanmar Embassy under the military junta had refused to renew the passports. The NUG has opened a representative office in South Korea since 2 October, 2021. Nearly 1,000 people have renewed their Myanmar passports over the course of four months at the NUG’s representative office, and the office is still processing passport renewals. 3
Malaysia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said on 7 November that Malaysia, which will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship, will adopt a multi-faceted approach to engage with all stakeholders in Myanmar regarding the Myanmar conflict. Malaysia will engage in discussions with Myanmar’s powerful neighbors, China and India, to seek a sustainable solution that reflects the wishes of the Myanmar people.
In addition, Malaysia is working to appoint the special envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar. It has reached the final stage,he added. 4
1 Human rights activist says under the Trump administration, the U.S. will likely have a limited role in Myanmar’s affairs, RFA, 17 November 2024
2 US, Indonesia strongly condemn violence against civilians in Myanmar, DVB, 14 November 2024
3 Nearly 1,000 people have renewed their passports at NUG’s representative office in South Korea, DVB, 12 November 2024
4 Malaysia plans to appoint the special envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, RFA, 7 November 2024