YANGON: In a move that has raised eyebrows worldwide, Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing publicly praised former President Donald Trump, urging him to lift sanctions against the country following a significant letter from Trump regarding tariffs.

This unexpected acknowledgment from the U.S. comes as a relief to the junta, which has faced international condemnation since overthrowing Aung San Suu Kyi's government in 2021, leading the nation into turmoil and civil strife.

Min Aung Hlaing not only commended Trump but also endorsed his unfounded claims regarding the alleged fraud of the 2020 U.S. elections. In a bizarre twist, he thanked Trump for cutting off funding to U.S.-backed media outlets, which aimed to provide independent news coverage amidst Myanmar's escalating conflict.

Despite U.S. officials generally avoiding direct contact with the junta, Trump’s letter hinted at a noteworthy shift. U.S. diplomats have been hesitant to acknowledge Min Aung Hlaing's regime, but the tariff letter stands as a potential first official endorsement.

Richard Horsey from the International Crisis Group remarked, "It's certainly the first public indication I've seen of U.S. acknowledgment of Min Aung Hlaing and the junta." He added that previous communications would not have come from Trump.

In his response, Min Aung Hlaing expressed heartfelt gratitude for Trump’s correspondence, showcasing it in a multi-page letter released in both Burmese and English. He sought to legitimize the junta’s actions by drawing parallels between the alleged issues in the U.S. elections and events in Myanmar.

As a poignant side note, Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, both founded to provide news in environments lacking free press, have been dramatically impacted by funding cuts initiated during Trump’s administration, leading to the halt of their Burmese operations.

Min Aung Hlaing's appeal didn't stop at tariffs. He implored Trump to reconsider economic sanctions, even suggesting a more palatable tariff range of 10 to 20 percent for Myanmar's goods. He emphasized his appreciation for what he described as an "inviting" opportunity to engage in the U.S. economy, which he dubbed the "Number One Market in the World."

As nations scramble to broker deals with Washington ahead of the impending tariff changes next month, this surprising exchange raises questions about the international community’s response to Myanmar's ongoing crisis.