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ASEAN at a ‘crossroad’ as Myanmar violence escalates

Southeast Asian nations are facing a critical moment as violence in Myanmar dominates discussions at a regional summit. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been leading diplomatic efforts to address the crisis, but the junta’s refusal to engage with opposition groups and the recent air strike that killed many people have increased pressure on ASEAN to take stronger action. Critics argue that ASEAN’s previous initiatives have been ineffective, and there are calls for the bloc to cut off the military’s cash flow and push for reform. The shooting incident targeting an ASEAN convoy in Myanmar further raises the urgency of addressing the situation. However, ASEAN’s limited authority and principles of consensus and non-interference have hindered its ability to take decisive action.

Two Singapore embassy staff safe after ASEAN humanitarian convoy attacked in Myanmar

A humanitarian convoy consisting of diplomats from the Indonesian and Singaporean embassies and officials coordinating humanitarian aid from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) came under fire on Sunday (7 May). The incident took place in the north-eastern Shan State in Taunggyi district.

Myanmar crisis to dominate ASEAN leaders summit

The crisis in Myanmar dominates discussions at the ASEAN summit in Indonesia, with calls for an end to violence and condemnation of the junta’s actions. ASEAN’s efforts to mediate and implement a peace plan have faltered, while global condemnation grows. The worsening crisis poses a threat to ASEAN’s relevance, as other nations take the lead in resolving the situation. The summit also addresses the South China Sea dispute and East Timor’s membership in the bloc.

ASEAN condemns Myanmar junta’s air strikes on civilians

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has strongly condemned the recent air strikes carried out by the Myanmar Armed Forces in Pa Zi Gyi Village, Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region of Myanmar, that claimed the lives of at least dozens of civilians.

Southeast Asian Parliamentarians condemn Thai authorities for handing over Myanmar opposition members to junta allies

Parliamentarians from Southeast Asia have condemned the Thai authorities for handing over three members of Myanmar opposition forces to junta allies, where they are likely to be tortured or worse. The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) called on the Thai government and international community to ensure such an incident does not happen again. The decision to release these three men into the hands of the Myanmar junta, which has repeatedly arbitrarily arrested, tortured, and at times even extrajudicially executed dissidents, is clearly in violation of the UN Convention Against Torture, which Thailand has officially adopted.

Investment from China a boon for Anwar’s administration, but Malaysia must be cautious

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has secured a record investment commitment of RM170 billion from China, which is expected to bolster his administration’s support and create a favorable atmosphere. Anwar’s focus on the economy and his efforts to win foreign investment and create job opportunities are earning him many brownie points, according to Dr Ngeow Chow Bing, the director of the Institute of China Studies at the University of Malaya. However, some experts warn that Malaysia needs to be cautious not to be bullied by China, given its significant economic relationship with the country.

Democratization in Southeast Asia: Insights from Democracy Report 2023

Democracy Report 2023 by V-Dem Institute shows hope in reversing democratic backsliding in small countries, including those in Southeast Asia, but notes nine countries in the region have declined substantially.

Southeast Asian parliamentarians urge swift action against Myanmar junta

Southeast Asian parliamentarians are urging the international community to take swift action against the illegal military junta in Myanmar. Following a roundtable discussion in Jakarta, the parliamentarians stressed that the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the junta’s atrocities is of gigantic proportions, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes. APHR Chair Mercy Barends called on ASEAN to apply strong pressure to isolate the Myanmar military, and parliamentarians urged the international community to recognize the National Unity Government and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw as the legitimately elected representatives of the people of Myanmar.

ASEAN governments must stop using ‘lawfare’ against critics, Southeast Asian MPs say

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippines, as well as other ASEAN member states,…

457 civil society organizations call on ASEAN to move beyond the Five-Point Consensus

457 CSOs call on ASEAN to move beyond the Five-Point Consensus, exclude…