ASEAN diplomats meet to review stalled Myanmar peace plan
Top Southeast Asian diplomats are set to convene on Monday to reevaluate their regional bloc's stagnated peace initiative for Myanmar, as frustration mounts over the ruling military's inability to quell violence more than two years after seizing power through a coup.
The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will gather in Jakarta, the capital chaired by Indonesia, this week to deliberate on a range of pressing issues. Foremost among them is the situation in Myanmar, alongside discussions on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, the regional economy, transnational crime, and other pertinent matters.
Myanmar remains a member of ASEAN, although its military junta has been sidelined from significant bloc gatherings since the ousting of the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. This power shift sparked violent opposition to their rule.
ASEAN did craft a peace blueprint, known as the five-point consensus, which calls for an end to hostilities and inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders. Regrettably, the military leadership has paid only superficial heed to these provisions.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, in her opening remarks, emphasized the necessity to "conduct a comprehensive review on the 'five PC' implementation and prepare a recommendation for our leaders' deliberation," where 'five PC' references the five-point plan. She further underscored that 'ASEAN can only advance with full momentum if we can ensure a peaceful and enduring resolution in Myanmar.'
Later this week, ASEAN leaders will converge in Jakarta, joined by leaders and dignitaries from partner countries like the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and others. Notably, US President Joe Biden will be absent from the gathering, with Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Asian American vice president, representing the United States. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to be in attendance.
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