Myanmar Junta Invited To ASEAN Meeting On Maritime Security
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has invited Myanmar’s military junta to a regional meeting to discuss maritime security. This marks the first official engagement between the regional bloc and the junta since the February coup that ousted the civilian government. The invitation is a controversial move, as many ASEAN countries have condemned the coup and called for the immediate restoration of the democratically elected government. Nonetheless, member states have decided to include the military junta in the regional meeting, in a bid to promote dialogue and cooperation.
Background of the Crisis
The current crisis in Myanmar began in February 2021, when the military overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and declared a one-year state of emergency. Following the coup, the military launched a brutal crackdown on protesters, killing hundreds of people and arresting thousands more. The international community has condemned the coup and called for the immediate restoration of democracy. The United Nations Security Council has urged the military to relinquish power and resume the democratic transition. However, the junta has refused to do so, instead continuing its violent crackdown on protesters.
ASEAN’s Invitation to the Junta
Despite the backlash from the international community, ASEAN has decided to invite the junta to a regional meeting on maritime security. The meeting, which will take place in Singapore in June, is expected to focus on issues such as piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism. The invitation has been met with criticism from some ASEAN states, who argue that it legitimizes the junta’s rule and rewards its violent repression of protesters. Nonetheless, the majority of member states have decided to include the junta in the meeting, in a bid to promote dialogue and cooperation.
Implications of the Invitation
The invitation is likely to have significant implications for ASEAN’s future. The regional bloc is traditionally committed to democratic principles, and its decision to include the junta in the meeting could set a dangerous precedent. Furthermore, the invitation is also likely to embolden the junta, as it reinforces the idea that the international community is willing to engage with the regime. This could make it even more difficult to restore democracy in Myanmar, as the junta may be less likely to compromise if it believes it can continue to receive support from the regional bloc.
The Potential for Dialogue
Despite the criticism, there is still the potential for dialogue between ASEAN and the military junta. The regional bloc could use the meeting as an opportunity to press the junta to end its violent crackdown on protesters and restore democracy. Moreover, the meeting could also be used to address important issues such as maritime security. Myanmar has long been a major source of piracy and illegal fishing in the region, and the junta could be persuaded to take concrete steps to address these issues.
Conclusion
The invitation of Myanmar’s military junta to an ASEAN meeting on maritime security is a controversial move. While it could provide an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation, it could also set a dangerous precedent and embolden the junta. Nonetheless, the regional bloc has decided to include the junta in the meeting, in a bid to promote dialogue and cooperation.
