Myanmar Military Regime Thanks Trump for 'First Recognition of Regime' in Response to Trump's '40% Tariff' Letter

[Financial News] The leader of the Myanmar military regime, who was notified by U.S. President Donald Trump of a 40% reciprocal tariff imposition, expressed gratitude for being recognized as the ruling power in Myanmar.
On the 12th (local time), according to AFP and others, Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the Myanmar military regime, released his reply to President Trump's letter in both Burmese and English.
Previously, on the 7th U.S. time, President Trump sent a letter to Commander Hlaing, notifying him of the imposition of a 40% reciprocal tariff starting August 1.
Regarding this letter from President Trump, the military regime stated that it was the first instance of the U.S. recognizing them as the ruling power in Myanmar.
Until now, the U.S. had not recognized the legitimacy of the Myanmar military regime, which seized power through a military coup in 2021, and had avoided official contact. This letter from President Trump is the first communication sent by the U.S. administration to the Myanmar military regime in over four years.
Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group explained to AFP, "This is the first time the U.S. has recognized Commander Hlaing and the military regime."
In his reply to the U.S. letter, Commander Hlaing expressed "sincere gratitude," acknowledging President Trump's "strong leadership that leads the country to prosperity with true patriotism."
He further claimed, "Like the difficulties you faced during the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Myanmar also experienced severe election fraud and significant misconduct."
The Myanmar military claimed that the general election in November 2020, where the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi won a landslide victory, was fraudulent, and staged a coup on February 1 the following year, maintaining power since then.
Commander Hlaing also expressed deep gratitude for the Trump administration's cessation of funding to Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, which had been critical of the Myanmar military regime, leading to the suspension of their Burmese broadcasts.
Meanwhile, Commander Hlaing proposed to President Trump to lower the 40% tariff on Myanmar products to 10-20% and to reduce the tariff rate on U.S. products to 0-10%.
He also stated that if necessary, they are prepared to send a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C. for trade negotiations and requested the easing or lifting of U.S. economic sanctions targeting the military regime.

going@fnnews.com Choi Ga-young Reporter