Myanmar junta accuses ASEAN members of “discriminatory practices” following Cebu summit exclusion

Mizzima

The military junta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a sharp rebuke on the evening of 10 May, accusing specific Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states of persisting with “discriminatory practices” and interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

The statement, released following the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, criticized a “few member states” for maintaining restrictions and excluding the regime from equal representation, claiming such actions violate the core principles of the ASEAN Charter.

In its press release, the junta alleged that the exclusion of its top leadership ignores the “will of the Myanmar people” and constitutes unconstructive pressure. Despite being barred from high-level summits since the 2021 coup, the regime claimed it has remained patient and cooperative over the last five years. Defying regional calls for the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, the junta declared it would instead proceed with a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” process tailored to the actual situation on the ground.

This announcement follows the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings held on 7 and 8 May in Cebu, Philippines. While the junta referenced a “few countries,” it did not explicitly name the nations involved.

The diplomatic friction follows meetings in Cebu between 7-8 May, where junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was again denied attendance, with representation limited to Permanent Secretary U Hauk Do Suan.

The Japanese news agency The Mainichi reported on 9 May that during the Foreign Ministers’ meeting prior to the summit, Thailand proposed allowing Myanmar’s participation in the upcoming July meeting. However, Singapore reportedly objected to the junta’s Foreign Minister attending the main session in person.

Nevertheless, The Mainichi, citing sources, noted that plans are being made to allow the junta’s Foreign Minister to join an online side event during the regional Foreign Ministers’ meeting this July.

On 8 May, the Singapore-based The Straits Times reported that regarding the Myanmar crisis, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste wish to strictly adhere to the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, whereas Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are more inclined toward re-engagement.

Meanwhile, Philippine President Marcos, the current ASEAN Chair, expressed at a press conference in Cebu on 8 May that ASEAN leaders are frustrated by the lack of progress regarding the situation in Myanmar.