Cambodia’s New ASEAN Chair Takes on Myanmar
As Phnom Penh steps into the helm of ASEAN for the coming year, its foreign minister Prak Sokhonn has set a clear agenda: Kuz every footnote about Myanmar’s military leaders and press them to open a dialogue with their opponents. The Taiwanese‑style “show of strength” is a breath of fresh air for diplomats who’ve been watching the country teeter on the brink of civil war.
Key Points
- Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s coup‑plotting commander, has been sidelined from a string of regional summits.
- Cambodia plans to send a brand‑new special envoy to Myanmar next year.
- The ruling junta remains stubborn—no talks with the ousted Aung San Suu Kyi.
- Upcoming China‑ASEAN summit could test ASEAN’s resolve.
Why This Matters
Prak’s remarks underline that while ASEAN respects a “non‑interference” principle, the situation in Myanmar can’t be ignored. “The fallout is hurting the region’s credibility and the people’s lives,” he said. And yet, the foreign minister kept it clear: “Things may and shall evolve, depending largely on Myanmar.”
Exclusion Strategy
In a bold move, ASEAN opted to exclude the country’s military ruler from week‑long summits—an unprecedented snub. The junta’s continued brutality and refusal to accept an ASEAN envoy put them on the back burner. “We’re watching closely, but we’ll wait for a clear shift in their stance before making long‑term decisions,” Prak added.
Diplomatic Buzz
Within the region, diplomats hinted that their leverage will hinge on pressuring Min Aung Hlaing to allow the envoy to speak with the military’s opponents. The junta’s refusal to engage with Aung San Suu Kyi signals a hardline approach that could backfire. An upcoming China‑ASEAN summit, where Xi Jinping will attend, could act as a litmus test for how far ASEAN will go.
Conclusion
Will Cambodia’s new leadership change the game in Myanmar? The answer remains on the drawing board. However, the momentum is clear—ASEAN is tightening its grip, and the junta’s patience is running thin. The next step? A proactive envoy and a willingness to hold men like Min Aung Hlaing to account before the next big summit.
