ASEAN Leaders Reaffirm Myanmar Peace Plan as Regional Summit Opens in Manila
Southeast Asian leaders have agreed to continue engaging with Myanmar while maintaining pressure for an end to the violence that has destabilised the country since the 2021 military coup.
The position was announced by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on November 15, as leaders gathered in Manila for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
Marcos, who is chairing the regional bloc this year, said member states had agreed to pursue "constructive and principled engagement" with Myanmar while continuing to support ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus, the framework established to address the country's political and humanitarian crisis.
The decision comes as ASEAN faces growing pressure to reconsider its restrictions on Myanmar's military-backed leadership, while the conflict inside the country continues to affect millions of people.
ASEAN Maintains Its Five-Point Peace Framework
The Five-Point Consensus was adopted by ASEAN in April 2021, following the military takeover that removed Myanmar's elected government from power.
The framework calls for an immediate end to violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, humanitarian assistance and visits by the special envoy to meet relevant stakeholders.
ASEAN has repeatedly expressed concern about the limited progress in implementing the agreement.
Speaking at the Manila summit, Marcos said the bloc hoped to advance the implementation of the peace plan and consider what further steps could be taken to address the crisis.
His remarks indicate that ASEAN intends to keep diplomatic engagement open while continuing to press for progress on the commitments already made.
Myanmar's Participation Remains a Sensitive Issue
Myanmar's representation at high-level ASEAN meetings has remained a contentious issue since the military coup in February 2021.
The bloc has restricted the participation of the country's military-appointed political leaders at major summits because of the lack of progress in implementing the Five-Point Consensus.
The issue has become more complicated as some ASEAN members have increased their engagement with Myanmar's military-backed authorities.
Ahead of the Manila summit, Thailand and several other members were reported to have supported greater engagement. Proposals concerning Myanmar's participation in ASEAN meetings were also under discussion.
However, Philippine Foreign Secretary and ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar Ma. Theresa Lazaro said on November 14 that ASEAN was not easing its existing approach.
She indicated that a review of the Five-Point Consensus and proposals concerning Myanmar's participation would be considered by the bloc's leaders. No decision had been announced to restore the country's full political representation at high-level meetings.
The discussions highlight differences among ASEAN members over how the organisation should respond to Myanmar's continuing crisis.
A Conflict With Regional Consequences
Myanmar has remained in turmoil since the military removed the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
The takeover triggered widespread resistance and an armed conflict involving the military, established ethnic armed organisations and other opposition groups.
The United Nations has described the situation as a serious humanitarian crisis, with large numbers of people displaced and communities facing difficulties accessing essential services.
The continuing conflict has also created challenges for neighbouring countries, including concerns about border security, refugees, cross-border crime and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
ASEAN's response is closely watched because the organisation includes countries that share borders, trade links and long-standing political relationships with Myanmar.
Regional Security Adds Pressure to the Summit
The Myanmar crisis is one of several major issues facing leaders at the Manila gathering.
According to draft summit documents reported by the Associated Press, discussions also cover tensions in the South China Sea, conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the economic effects of international instability.
Leaders are expected to emphasise respect for international law, peaceful settlement of disputes and freedom of navigation.
Philippine President Marcos has called for greater unity among ASEAN members, warning that geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate change and emerging technologies are creating challenges that individual countries cannot address alone.
The 11-member bloc has often struggled to reach a common position on sensitive regional issues because of differences in national interests and political approaches.
What Happens Next?
The Manila summit is scheduled to run from November 15 to 17, with discussions involving ASEAN leaders and representatives of partner countries.
The Myanmar issue is expected to remain part of the bloc's diplomatic agenda as members consider how to encourage progress on the Five-Point Consensus.
For now, ASEAN's position combines continued engagement with an insistence that the existing peace framework remains in place.
Whether this approach can produce meaningful progress will depend on the willingness of the parties involved in Myanmar's conflict to participate in dialogue and take steps towards reducing violence.
The summit's discussions will therefore be closely watched by neighbouring countries and international partners seeking a way forward for Myanmar.
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