VIENTIANE, Laos: As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meets in Laos, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar remains a top priority.
Despite over three years of diplomatic efforts, including a “five-point consensus” plan agreed to by the Myanmar junta shortly after their 2021 coup, no meaningful progress has been made toward resolving the conflict.
The junta, which seized power in February 2021, has continued its violent crackdown on dissent, prompting ASEAN to bar its leaders from official summits. However, Myanmar’s government sent a senior foreign ministry official to the current meeting, signaling a desire to engage more directly with the regional bloc.
The conflict in Myanmar has escalated, with the military suffering defeats from ethnic minority armed groups and pro-democracy forces. The humanitarian toll is staggering, with thousands dead and millions displaced. In a surprising move, the junta recently extended an invitation to its opponents for talks, though it’s unclear whether this will lead to any significant breakthroughs.
ASEAN has been criticized for its inability to take decisive action due to its consensus-based decision-making process. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have been pushing for more robust measures, while Thailand, a neighboring state heavily impacted by the crisis, has called for a stronger response. ASEAN is also working with other international players, such as the EU and the UN, in an effort to address the situation.
In addition to the Myanmar crisis, the summit will address other regional tensions, particularly disputes in the South China Sea, where China’s territorial claims conflict with those of several ASEAN nations, including the Philippines.
The outcome of this summit will be critical for ASEAN’s credibility in addressing both the Myanmar conflict and broader regional security concerns.
