Myanmar’s diplomatic isolation seems to be showing signs of change as the junta sent a senior official to participate in an ASEAN gathering in Laos on Monday. This marks the first time in over two years that Myanmar has attended a high-level meeting of the regional bloc, as the country grapples with the aftermath of a military coup in 2021 that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), consisting of 10 member states, has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in Myanmar. However, these efforts have yielded little progress, with a local monitoring group reporting over 4,400 casualties and nearly 20,000 people in detention due to the military crackdown on dissent.
Since October 2021, ASEAN had taken a firm stance by excluding junta leaders from its summits and ministerial meetings. The military generals, in turn, had declined invitations to send “non-political” representatives. However, on Monday, senior foreign ministry bureaucrat Marlar Than Htike represented Myanmar at the talks in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Laos Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith welcomed Myanmar’s attendance after a two-year absence, expressing a cautious optimism about the engagement’s potential. He acknowledged the complex nature of the crisis, stating, “We are sure that the more we engage Myanmar, the more understanding… about the real situation that is happening in Myanmar.”
Despite the positive tone, it remains uncertain whether Myanmar’s participation indicates a substantive shift in the ongoing crisis. The diplomatic efforts by ASEAN have faced challenges, with minimal progress since the adoption of a five-point peace plan in 2021, a plan Myanmar has yet to implement.
Tensions within ASEAN over differing approaches to the Myanmar crisis have been evident, reflecting the broader discord among member states. Friction escalated last year, especially when Thailand’s previous government decided to engage with junta foreign minister Than Shwe.
Laos, a one-party communist state with close ties to Myanmar’s ally China, currently chairs ASEAN, presenting an opportunity for renewed engagement. Saleumxay suggested that “many members welcome the participation of non-political representation from Myanmar.”
The call for engagement aligns with a recent move by the Laotian special envoy of ASEAN, Alounkeo Kittikhoun, who met with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw. This meeting, focused on the government’s efforts to ensure peace and stability, preceded Myanmar’s representation at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.
Despite these developments, representatives from Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines emphasized that Monday’s attendance did not signify a policy shift within ASEAN. Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan expressed cautious sentiments, stating it was “helpful” to have the Myanmar representative but refraining from optimism about the junta’s commitment to the five-point peace deal.
One critical aspect highlighted during the meeting was the continued need for humanitarian aid to Myanmar. Laos commended efforts led by Thailand for humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the collective will of ASEAN member countries to support Myanmar’s people effectively.
Myanmar’s participation in the ASEAN meeting, though symbolic, raises questions about the prospects of diplomatic breakthroughs amid the ongoing crisis. While some members express optimism, challenges persist, and the impact of this engagement on the ground remains uncertain. The need for humanitarian aid underscores the urgency of addressing the multifaceted issues faced by Myanmar’s population.
