For most world leaders, tariff letters from US President Donald Trump mean a big headache. But for one Southeast Asian general, the communique is being spun as welcome recognition of the embattled, isolated and reviled junta he leads.

Since the 2021 coup, the US and most Western nations have refused to recognise Myanmar’s junta as the country’s legitimate government.

President Donald Trump, on Monday, issued formal notices to 14 different countries, informing their leaders that the United States will impose new blanket tariffs on their goods starting August 1. The letters,