Philippines: ASEAN Faces Tough Challenge as Myanmar Conflict Escalates
The world will be watching closely to see how ASEAN members deal with one of Southeast Asia's most pressing regional conflicts.
Various Filipino groups hold a protest and participate in a global noise barrage to end the military rule for the people of Myanmar in Quezon City, Philippines on February 11, 2021. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a recent forum held in Hawaii, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. brought to light the escalating conflict in Myanmar, marking it as a significant and complex challenge for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The situation in Myanmar has seen over a million people displaced, following the military coup in 2021, which overturned years of tentative democratic progress and led to both internal conflict and economic downturn.
President Marcos highlighted the commitment of ASEAN to address the crisis, despite the intricacies involved, including the substantial humanitarian impact.
The United Nations reports that the displacement numbers have been rising since the coup, as the military faces resistance from an alliance of ethnic-minority groups and pro-democracy fighters.
ASEAN response
ASEAN, in response to the junta’s actions post-coup, has excluded the top generals from its meetings, demanding adherence to a peace roadmap established two years ago. This move signifies ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
The Philippines is set to chair ASEAN in 2026, taking over from Myanmar as host, and President Marcos’ statements come at a critical juncture. He acknowledged the loss of support for the military junta from within its own ranks, according to recent analyses.
Furthermore, Marcos pointed out the ‘exponential’ growth of the humanitarian cost of the conflict over recent years, which has also affected the Philippines, with reports of Filipino citizens being among the victims of human trafficking linked to the turmoil in Myanmar.
The turmoil in Myanmar
The ASEAN bloc has been facing increased pressure to mediate and provide solutions to the Myanmar crisis, as the military-led offensive continues to displace thousands more.
President Marcos’ call to action underscores the need for ASEAN to navigate this difficult issue effectively, taking into consideration the broad humanitarian and political implications.
As the situation develops, ASEAN’s role in shaping the outcome of the Myanmar crisis remains pivotal, with the world watching closely how the bloc will manage one of the most pressing regional conflicts in Southeast Asia.
