As Myanmar’s political and humanitarian crisis deepens, it is not only the people of Myanmar who are bearing the brunt of the military's brutality, but the entire Southeast Asian region. The recent ASEAN summit in September 2023 has brought into sharp focus just how severe the situation has become, with Myanmar’s military rule straining diplomatic relations and pushing ASEAN to the verge of breaking point. The regional bloc, known for its non-interference policy and preference for quiet diplomacy, is now grappling with a crisis that threatens to tear it apart. What’s happening in Myanmar is no longer an isolated problem—it is a regional catastrophe that demands urgent attention and decisive action.
ASEAN’s handling of Myanmar has been, to say the least, frustratingly weak. Despite Myanmar’s devastating internal conflict, the bloc’s response has been characterized by half-hearted measures and toothless declarations. At the heart of ASEAN’s dilemma is its inability to exert meaningful pressure on the junta, which continues to defy the Five-Point Consensus agreed upon in April 2021. The consensus, which called for an immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue, and humanitarian assistance, has been repeatedly ignored by Myanmar’s military rulers. More than two years later, the junta has only escalated its attacks on civilians, while ASEAN has struggled to find a unified stance. The cracks within the bloc are becoming more evident, and [what’s happening in Myanmar](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/4/severe-stress-myanmar-south-china-sea-push-asean-to-breaking-point) is now threatening the very cohesion of ASEAN itself.
The situation in Myanmar is testing the limits of ASEAN’s traditional diplomatic approach. The military junta has shown that it is not interested in dialogue or compromise, leaving ASEAN with the difficult task of deciding whether to uphold its principle of non-interference or to finally take a stronger stand. Unfortunately, the latter has proven elusive, as member states remain divided on how to handle the crisis. Some, like Indonesia and Malaysia, have been more vocal in their criticism of the junta, while others, particularly those with closer ties to the military, have been reluctant to take a hardline approach. This disunity is enabling the junta to continue its reign of terror with little fear of repercussions.
As Myanmar spirals further into chaos, ASEAN’s credibility is at stake. How can a regional bloc that prides itself on unity and cooperation remain silent while one of its member states burns? What’s happening in Myanmar is a humanitarian disaster that ASEAN cannot afford to ignore. The military’s relentless attacks on civilians, the displacement of over a million people, and the widespread poverty and food insecurity caused by the conflict are not just internal issues—they are regional crises. Refugees are fleeing across borders, illegal arms trafficking is on the rise, and the entire region’s stability is in jeopardy. ASEAN’s failure to act decisively is not only prolonging the suffering of the people of Myanmar but also threatening to destabilize Southeast Asia as a whole.
For the people of Myanmar, ASEAN’s inaction feels like betrayal. After decades of living under military rule, many had hoped that the regional bloc would finally step in and help bring an end to their suffering. Instead, they have watched as ASEAN’s summits come and go, with little more than empty statements to show for it. Meanwhile, the junta continues its airstrikes, detentions, and executions, with no end in sight. It’s clear that Myanmar’s military rulers are not interested in peace or compromise; they are only interested in maintaining their grip on power, no matter the cost.
What’s happening in Myanmar cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. The time for quiet diplomacy and behind-the-scenes negotiations is over. ASEAN must recognize that its credibility as a regional power is on the line, and it must take concrete steps to address the crisis. This could mean imposing targeted sanctions on the military regime, freezing the assets of junta leaders, or even suspending Myanmar’s membership in ASEAN until the junta adheres to the Five-Point Consensus. The international community, too, must increase pressure on ASEAN to take a stronger stance, as it is clear that the junta will not stop its reign of terror unless forced to do so.
In conclusion, as ASEAN grapples with the strain of Myanmar’s ongoing crisis, the bloc must realize that this is a test of its unity and relevance on the global stage. What’s happening in Myanmar is more than just a national tragedy—it is a regional disaster that requires immediate and decisive action. The people of Myanmar cannot wait any longer for peace, and neither can ASEAN afford to sit idly by while one of its own member states collapses into chaos. It’s time for the international community, and ASEAN in particular, to stand up for the people of Myanmar and put an end to the military’s brutal dictatorship once and for all.
Sources:
- Al Jazeera: [Severe Stress: Myanmar, South China Sea Push ASEAN to Breaking Point](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/4/severe-stress-myanmar-south-china-sea-push-asean-to-breaking-point)
Photo Source: [Dita Alangkara/Pool via Reuters]
