Myanmar’s Junta Strikes a Deal With ASEAN – Even While They Omit the Big Boss
On Sunday, October 24, the military rulers of Myanmar didn’t just drop mic‑drops on the press; they actually said they’re ready to collaborate “as much as possible” with the ASEAN peace‑plan, despite the regional bloc’s recent decision to leave out Myanmar’s top commander, Min Aung Hlaing, from this week’s summit.
What the Junta Is Saying
- The state media announced that the junta will “uphold the principle of peaceful coexistence with other countries.”
- They promise to work with ASEAN on the five‑point consensus that was agreed in April—a plan supported by the West and China.
- Key points: end hostilities, start dialogue, allow humanitarian aid, and let a special envoy roam freely.
ASEAN’s Bold Pull Back
On October 15, ASEAN front‑liners decided to sideline Min Aung Hlaing in a big blow for the Myanmar military. The military used to claim it had no “weaknesses” and that the biggest problem was unwilling “terrorists,” but ASEAN’s decision highlights that the regime’s failures to implement the plan have been glaringly obvious.
The junta did not take this lightly:
- They accused ASEAN of abandoning the principle of consensus and non‑interference.
- They refused to send a neutral Myanmar representative instead of the chief.
- ASEAN’s chair, Brunei, remains silent—no comment so far.
Regional Reaction – Mostly Hushed Tones
- Thailand’s foreign ministry declined to weigh in, citing the “sensitivity” of the issue.
- Indonesia’s spokesperson, Teuku Faizasyah, said ASEAN’s consensus on the representative was “the common guide for all members.”
Why This Exclusion Matters
It’s uncommon for a bloc that’s been criticized for playing “late‑to the party” to outright exclude a member state’s head. An unprecedented snub that paints ASEAN as a party that’s at least willing to pull the plug when the game’s not fair.
The Human Cost Behind the Headlines
- Over 1,000 civilians have been killed in a post‑coup crackdown.
- Thousands more have been detained, tortured, or beaten, according to the United Nations.
- The junta calls them “terrorists” trying to “destabilize” the country, while the opposition sees them as victims of an unjust coup.
What ASEAN’s Special Envoy Tried (and Failed) to Do
- Brunei’s envoy, Erywan Yusof, wanted a meeting with the ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but the military denied any such possibility.
- They also warned the envoy not to engage with the “shadow National Unity Government,” a coalition of pro‑democracy and ethnic groups, claiming it’s outlawed.
The Junta’s 5‑Point Plan Re‑Checked
In their Sunday announcement, the rulers reiterated their own five‑point plan for restoring democracy. They maintain that the coup was a “necessary and lawful intervention” against a perceived threat from Suu Kyi’s party, which the military says won a fraudulent election.
Bottom Line
Myanmar’s military is juggling diplomacy like a tightrope walker in a circus—trying to keep ASEAN on board while still orchestrating a crackdown that the world is watching with bated breath. The exclusion of the chief is a bold move that could signal a shift in ASEAN’s approach, but the real question remains whether the junta’s “peace plan” is anything more than good PR.
