U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement about the coup detained by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar, harshly criticized it, and revived sanctions that had been lifted in response to the move toward democratization. He showed an unyielding attitude.
In Myanmar, the military is carrying out a coup d'etat, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Min, and other ruling party executives one after another to take full control.
US President Joe Biden issued a statement yesterday saying, "It's a direct attack on the process of transition to democracy and the rule of law. The international community is urging the military to immediately give up power and release detained people. We should put pressure on it. "
On top of that, he said, "If the development of democratization goes back, we will take appropriate action after reexamining the laws related to sanctions." Showed no attitude.
The United States imposed sanctions on Myanmar during the military junta, banning transactions with some companies and individuals and the import of specialty rubies into the United States, but this was lifted during the Obama administration. I did.
In addition, Saki, a spokesman for the White House, said at a press conference that he was "concentrating on various levels with allies," and revealed that he had begun discussions with each country on how to respond to this situation. Did.
Japan and the United States discuss the situation in Myanmar
According to the US State Department, Deputy Assistant Secretary Sung Kim and North American Affairs Bureau Director Ichikawa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have discussed the situation in Myanmar.
The talks shared concerns about Myanmar, such as how to regain democracy, respect for human rights, and the release of detained people.
Former Myanmar Ambassador "First Trials of the Biden Administration"
Derek Mitchell, a special representative for Myanmar affairs and Myanmar ambassador for the Obama administration in the United States, expressed concern that China could take advantage of the turmoil in Myanmar and expand its influence, and for the Biden administration, He emphasized that it was the first test to be asked if allies and friends could be united.
Former Ambassador Mitchell said in an interview with NHK on the 1st, "If Myanmar troops are sanctioned by other countries and isolated, China may approach Myanmar troops as an opportunity to fill the void. I am strongly concerned that China will take advantage of the turmoil in Myanmar to expand its power, and we must consider countermeasures. "
He added, "At the same time as paying the Myanmar military, we should consider presenting a breakthrough plan. We should have a thoughtful strategy that interweaves hard and soft, and we need to be involved in the military." He acknowledged that not only sanctions and pressure but also dialogue and negotiations with the military are important.
"The biggest challenge for the Biden administration is whether it can unite the international community through both pressure on the Myanmar military and dialogue. The Biden administration has set up the unity of allies to protect the values of democracy, and the new This is the first test for the administration, "he emphasized, and the question is whether to implement a policy that is in line with Japan and other countries that share values.