Aung Kyaw Moe, the perpetual diplomat of intrigue from the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made waves as he graced the Asean-China Summit at the dazzling National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos, on a day as bright as Thursday itself. His presence was nothing short of a political spectacle, being the first instance the military junta opted to dispatch an emissary to pepper an Asean summit with official representation since the tumultuous coup reared its head in February 2021. (Cameras flashed, courtesy of Reuters)
Meanwhile, over in the sunny lands of Thailand, a new proposal was brewing tea-party style. With a dash of initiative, Thailand stepped forward with an offer as warm as a southern Thai welcome to host informal brainstorming sessions aimed at resolving the tempestuous Myanmar crisis, hopefully by December’s festive season. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand is at the helm of this venture, with the amiable Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankur enthusiastically detailing the plan during a virtual gathering right at the very first tick of the Asean Summit’s clockwork and its related meet-ups in picturesque Vientiane.
“Our proposal is not a lone ranger,” Nikorndej assured virtuously, “it rides on the support of Laos, our current Asean chair buddy, and Malaysia, the eager incoming chair. We are optimistic that this casual sit-down for solving riddles can and will materialize.” Nikorndej painted a picture where Asean leaders, during a discreet retreat away from the bustling summit eyes, nodded in collective agreement: Myanmar’s plight was, without a doubt, the pressing matter. They spoke in one voice, yearning for tranquility’s return to that embattled nation.
Echoing this collective sigh was a clarion call urging all the parties involved in the Myanmar conundrum—particularly the armed forces and other forces seemingly on warpath—to dial down the tension, lay down arms, and stop the civilian-targeted woes. These sentiments etched themselves into the summit’s post-retreat declaration.
Asean’s progress with its well-intentioned “five point consensus” peace plan flickers like a candle in a monsoon. Conceived not long after the infamous 2021 coup, this plan seems to have been relegated to the back shelves by junta head honcho Min Aung Hlaing, despite having originally put ink to paper. All hopes for dialogue with the shadowy figures of the ousted, elected administration find themselves dashed against the hard walls of branding by the junta—in a word, “terrorists.”
Yet, Kao Kim Hourn, the indefatigable Asean secretary-general, offered a glimmer of tenacity, noting that Asean is resolute in keeping the lines with Myanmar open. “We will need time and patience,” he disclosed to Reuters in a moment reflecting persistence. “Myanmar is a quagmire, a riddle wrapped in layers of complexity. Do not expect solutions dropping from the sky overnight.”
Amidst the ever-growing armed resistance to the military regime’s reign, a staggering 18.6 million souls—over a third of the nation’s breathing populace—find themselves in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Despite losing ground both literally and metaphorically, and finding themselves cornered across innumerable battle lines, the junta seems determined to forge ahead with a scripted election in sight for the ensuing year—but eyes roll at its conspicuous pretense.
Even so, Asean pledges to stand firm in its pursuit of “inclusive political dialogue,” aiming to bring all warring factions to the discussion table in Myanmar, Kao Kim Hourn reiterated. Leaders keep humanitarian aid on the rise, stirring hope amidst the burgeoning needs, while practicing the global humility preached by their everlasting optimism and reminder that, indeed, every storm shall eventually pass.
It’s great to see Asean still pushing for peace in Myanmar. With Aung Kyaw Moe attending, maybe there’s a chance for actual dialogue.
If they cared about peace, they’d stop siding with the junta.
It’s more complicated than that, Tom. Asean has to tread carefully with all parties involved.
Dialogue is key, but as long as the military refuses, nothing will change.
This summit is just another diplomatic spectacle. Nothing real ever comes from these talks, just empty words.
Diplomacy takes time. You can’t expect overnight resolutions in deeply rooted conflicts.
All they do is talk, while people suffer. They need to act now, not later.
Why should Asean negotiate with junta leaders who disregard their own agreements? Ridiculous!
Agreed, they should cut all ties until there’s real change.
But then how will change happen if there’s no engagement?
Engagement only works if the other party respects you and your terms.
I believe the Thai initiative could be a genuine step forward. It brings hope for future discussions.
Nice thought, but just more talk. Most initiatives fail due to a lack of commitment.
Well, every small step counts. We need faith in diplomacy.
In reality, Asean has limited power over Myanmar. Internal change is what matters.
Humanitarian aid is urgent. 18.6 million people suffering is shocking!
Aid is crucial, but will it reach the people in need under a regime that blocks outside help?
Shrinking ground for the military? I call BS. They’re entrenched, and elections are a facade.
No kidding, they spend years manipulating power. Elections mean nothing under them.
Exactly, it’s just a show for international observers.
ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus is a failure and should be scrapped.
ASEAN has no easy task. Diplomacy in a tangled political climate like Myanmar’s is extremely challenging.
Just praying for a peaceful resolution. It’s heartbreaking to see so many in need.
ASEAN needs tougher measures on Myanmar. Sanctions! That’s the language the junta understands.
Sanctions often hurt the common people more. Is that the change we want?
I trust in Kao Kim Hourn’s approach for open dialogue. At least it’s a patient strategy.
Patience only goes so far. Time isn’t on their side when lives are at risk.
But rash actions could worsen the situation. Balance is needed.