Suu Kyi’s ICRC meeting is a strategic move by Myanmar’s regime, not a sign of change

The junta’s latest empty gesture is a cost-free way to win greater international acceptance, not evidence of any softening of its position. . . The meeting between Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is part of the military regime’s attempt to ease international pressure, groups supporting Myanmar’s democracy movement have said. They added that the meeting is a strategic move to break the international isolation by making it appear as if the regime is responding to humanitarian concerns. However, the groups stressed that this move is not indicative of any fundamental change in the regime’s stance, but rather a tactic to improve its international image.