Top US general in Asia ready to engage with Myanmar

09 December 2015
Top US general in Asia ready to engage with Myanmar
U.S. Army's senior commander in Asia is ready to establish a closer, personal  relationship with Myanmar’s armed forces - US marines line up after an amphibious assault joint military exercise of Cobra Gold 2014 at a military base in Chonburi province, Thailand, 14 Febuary 2014. Photo: Narong Sangnak/EPA

WASHINGTON, Dec 8–The U.S. Army's senior commander in Asia is ready to establish a closer, personal relationship with Myanmar’s armed forces and government, according to reports.
General Vincent Brooks, speaking in Washington, told a defense writers' group, that the US is interested in forming stronger bonds within Myanmar, in part to counter the influence of the Chinese military, which is exerting its power into the region.
He said military forces within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations were also calling for more engagement with Myanmar, following the election victory of the National League for Democracy, and what appears to be a peaceful transition of power.
However, he said any high level contacts would have to wait for the approval of administration officials.
The political victory of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other factors "have caused us to be ready to move forward," he said, according to a Reuters report.
Brooks said one US general has spoken at Myanmar's war college, and he would like to engage more directly himself.
"It's a relationship that I really want us to have and I am eager to be allowed to do that ... just kind of spend a bit more time with them," he said.
Brooks said the United States would take advantage of any opportunity to discuss US military professionalism in terms of governance, and how to engage with the media, the public and a civilian government.