WASHINGTON has given its backing to opposition forces in Myanmar following a virtual meeting with representatives from the country’s shadow government on Monday.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with Duwa Lashi La and Zin Mar Aung from the National Unity Government, a statement said.

Mr Sullivan reiterated the US government’s support for the “pro-democracy movement” in Myanmar, whole condemning “the military’s brutal violence.”

The country’s armed forces seized power in February, ousting the government of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy.

It has since led a violent clampdown on protests, opening fire on trade unionists and civilians, with more than 1,000 people killed, according to monitoring groups.

On Sunday Kyaw Min Yu, who shot to prominence during the 1988 student uprising, was detained in an overnight raid.

Mr Sullivan said that the US would press for his release and “continue to promote accountability for the coup.”

Critics have poured scorn on US concerns over democracy in Myanmar, with a number of NGOs and media organisations in the country bankrolled by the controversial National Endowment for Democracy.

It is feared that the US is seeking to impose a Washington-friendly regime to block China’s Belt and Road Initiative and a gas pipeline which passes through Myanmar.