East Asia Holds Its Breath as Myanmar’s Junta Bounces Off the ASEAN Table
President Biden’s “Grave Concerns” Meet an Empty Moderator Seat
When the ASEAN summit kicked off on October 26, the world expected a full‑throttle diplomatic showdown. Instead, the virtual meeting opened with one glaring omission: Myanmar had no chair at all. The country’s military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing, was left out of the agenda after the junta refused to let any non‑political representative sit beside the other leaders.
In a surprising move that rattled the traditional harmony of Southeast Asia, the summit’s participants decided to politely “drop” the Myanmar lieutenant‑colonel who seized power on February 1. The decision came after the military’s blatant failure to stop the violence, grant humanitarian access, and engage in dialogue—three points the bloc had laid out in a prior agreement.
Why the Ouch? A Quick Look at the Stakes
- Consensus & Non‑Interference: ASEAN prides itself on a “no‑more‑talk‑to‑talk” rule. This move was a rare, brave exception.
- Myanmar Falls Short: The junta’s refusal to cooperate was the practical reason for the exclusion, not a punitive slap from the region.
- International Echoes: Even U.S. President Joe Biden voiced “grave concerns” about the ongoing violence and called on the military to release unjustly detained folks.
Key Voices from the Summit
Hun Sen, Cambodia’s Prime Minister
“Asean isn’t kicking Myanmar out of its own playbook. Myanmar simply gave up its chance,” said Hun Sen, who will chair the group next year. “We’re essentially Asean minus one—caused by Myanmar, not ASEAN.”
Retno Marsudi, Indonesian Foreign Minister
She stressed that “Asean had the slot ready for Myanmar, but they chose not to sit.”
Joko Widodo, Indonesian President
Widodo called Myanmar’s attitude “unwelcome,” reminding participants of the delicate balance between non‑interference and the need for democracy, good governance, and human rights.
Prayuth Chan‑ocha, Thailand’s Prime Minister
As a former general close to the coup plotters, he urged Myanmar to follow the five‑point roadmap agreed upon with ASEAN.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei’s Ruler
The pragmatic monarch of the ASEAN chair said Myanmar should have the space to “return to normalcy” in line with the bloc’s non‑interference principle.
Why It Matters: The Army of a Two‑Decade Legacy
Myanmar’s military, which holds authority for 49 out of the past 60 years, has always viewed ASEAN as a platform that offers a bit of political distance from outside influence. Now, its refusal to comply has pushed the region to take a stand that many see as a comeback of democracy and human rights over sheer power.
Bottom Line
In short, the summit sent a clear message: Violence and disregard for collective agreements are no longer acceptable, even in a region famed for “consensus.” The absence of one high‑profile representative was both a symbolic and practical reminder that a people’s sovereignty demands more than silence—especially when its own leaders refuse to listen.
Credibility at stake
ASEAN steps in to support Myanmar amid junta turmoil
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha made a strong statement today, underscoring that ASEAN’s involvement is crucial for restoring confidence in Myanmar. He said, “Our actions here will shape ASEAN’s credibility on the global stage.” He’s been a prominent figure in the country’s politics since the 2014 coup, with his party later winning a democratic election in 2019.
Prayuth’s hope for a rapid rebuild of trust
Prayuth expressed optimism that the military junta would accept ASEAN’s goodwill. He urged special envoy Erywan Yusof to visit Myanmar soon, hoping the trip could become “an important first step in the confidence‑building process.”
The situation on the ground
- Aung San Suu Kyi, the ousted leader, was denied full access to the court by the junta.
- She faced multiple charges, including incitement to cause public alarm, which she denied in court on Tuesday.
- The military has been accused of killing over 1,000 people and detaining thousands, many of whom were reportedly tortured and beaten.
Myanmar’s public defenders label these figures as exaggerated and refer to the opposition as a “shadow National Unity Government” (NUG) that fights the junta’s oppressive rule.
US engagement with the NUG
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with NUG representatives, praising their “courage and commitment.” He discussed humanitarian aid and ways the United States can “send strong messages” to influential regional partners and the junta itself.
Biden’s commitment to ASEAN partnership
President Joe Biden addressed the ASEAN summits, marking the first major engagement in four years. He assured the bloc that they can expect his personal presence on future trips to the region. “Maintaining a free and open Indo‑Pacific is essential for our shared security and prosperity,” he emphasized.
