With U.S. absent, China steps in for earthquake-hit Myanmar

Former U.S. ambassador to Myanmar Scot Marciel told Reuters that while it was unlikely the junta would have allowed big U.S. military teams to enter, Washington could still have "responded more quickly and robustly" were it not for the cuts. The decision to send rescuers by road as well as air was seen by analysts like Sai Tun Aung Lwin as a signal from Beijing that it had influence with both the rebels and the junta. A spokesperson for Myanmar's National Unity Government, a parallel administration that includes members of Suu Kyi's deposed government, said in a statement that it had "profound gratitude to the international rescue teams who have arrived without delay to assist and save the people of Myanmar."