President Obama will be making history when he becomes the first US president to visit Burma, a Southeast Asian country that has for years been criticized for human rights violations and political oppression. His visit will be part of a tour including a trip to Thailand and attendance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Cambodia. Previously Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was the most senior US official to visit the country. As part of his visit Obama is planning to meet with President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the Burmese political opposition.
US relations with Burma have been strengthened as of late as a full US ambassador to Burma has been appointed and US sanctions against the country have been lifted in response to the release of political prisoners and the election of Suu Kyi to parliament. The US is also preparing to ease its ban on the import of goods from Burma.
Some analysts have suggested these actions are an effort on the part of the Obama administration to counter the influence of China in the region.
