US Support for Myanmar Resistance: Expert Testimony on Conflict Dynamics and Policy Recommendations

Current Conflict Assessment in Myanmar

• ⚠️ The conflict in Myanmar is described as dynamic and constantly changing, rather than a stalemate.
• ⚡ Significant territorial gains have been made by resistance and ethnic armed groups in various states since Operation 1027.
• 📈 While some gains have been rolled back due to China's support for the military, the military has only retaken small areas and does not control large parts of the country.

Cooperation Among Resistance Groups

• 🤝 Operation 1027 demonstrated unprecedented collaboration between ethnic armed groups and Burmese resistance actors.
• 📉 This collaboration is at risk due to China's pressure on ethnic armed groups to prevent them from working together.
• 🧩 Historically, a divide and rule approach has been pursued, which China has aided.

US Support and Policy Recommendations

• 🏛️ Existing legislation allows the US administration to support resistance groups, but implementation is hindered by poorly suited regional bureaus.
• 🚫 There is a lack of cooperation between the South Central Asia Bureau and the East Asia-Pacific Bureau regarding Burma.
• 🎯 A special envoy for Burma is recommended to holistically address the problem and recommend policy.
• 🗣️ This senior-level diplomat should focus solely on Burma and engage with ASEAN nations and ambassadors.

Role of ASEAN Nations

• 🌐 The US should push ASEAN nations to prioritize the issue of Burma.
• 🤝 A dedicated senior diplomat is needed to engage effectively with ASEAN ministers and ambassadors on Burma-related matters.