The US and Myanmar government officials held secret talks in Tokyo, Japan, last week, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The meeting marked the second engagement between the two sides within a month, following a departure from Washington’s policy of avoiding contact with Myanmar authorities since 2021.

The first round of talks, held in Nay Pyi Taw in mid-September, focused on securing the release of an American businessman detained in Myanmar and combating scam operations targeting US citizens.

However, the engagements have raised speculation that they could pave the way for broader geopolitical and economic discussions, including opportunities for rare earth mineral production in Myanmar.

Details of the second round of talks in Tokyo remain unclear. The US move toward engagement comes amid intensifying strategic competition in the Asia-Pacific region.

All sources, including a US official, requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions.

A source said the Tokyo talks were led by Michael Vance, US Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, with at least 12 US officials participating. Reuters was unable to confirm which representatives attended on behalf of the Myanmar government.

The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the talks but said Washington continued to engage with all groups in Myanmar on issues concerning US interests.

A spokesperson for the Myanmar government also did not respond to a request for comment.

In an email statement regarding Japan’s role as host, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said it remained in contact with both sides as necessary but declined to provide further details about the diplomatic exchanges.

Sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that a September meeting in Nay Pyi Taw between Vance and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing had paved the way for broader talks.

The swift arrangement of the subsequent Tokyo meeting indicated that both sides were keen to maintain the channel of dialogue.

According to the sources, Washington’s main priority was to secure Myanmar’s cooperation in shutting down scam centres that defraud US citizens of billions of dollars.

The Myanmar government has said it is participating in international cooperation efforts to crack down on scam operations.

US officials also discussed opportunities to extract rare earth minerals in Myanmar.

In early October, a Japanese diplomat in Myanmar met with Myanmar’s foreign minister in what was the first publicly acknowledged meeting of its kind since 2021.

The meeting followed a September visit to Nay Pyi Taw by Hiromichi Watanabe, a lawmaker from Japan’s ruling party.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry said the discussions focused on the safety of Japanese nationals and support for Japanese companies operating in Myanmar.

Japan remains one of the largest foreign investors in Myanmar. Although many Western companies withdrew from the country following the outbreak of conflict in 2021, numerous Japanese firms have continued operating their factories and businesses.

According to data from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), at least 400 Japanese companies were operating in Myanmar in 2020, with around 300 still active at present.