Myanmar crisis poses challenge for Asean’s ability to confront future: Vivian

In an article from The Straits Times, Tan Hui Yee reports on the strained relationship between Myanmar and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):

The crisis in Myanmar could take decades to resolve but as long as it continues, it will pose a challenge to ASEAN’s ability to get on with its agenda confronting the future, [Singaporean] Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said at an ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute forum on Tuesday.

Referring to a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Jakarta on Oct 27 on this issue, he said: “It is a difficult conversation. We are still considering what further steps we can take collectively as ASEAN, but to take steps which would be constructive and helpful and not just performative.

“Our priority remains to alleviate the suffering of the people of Myanmar.”

Despite ASEAN producing a 5-point consensus on the crisis in the presence of the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing last year, there has been no substantial progress towards alleviating the violence afflicting the country.

Balakrishnan emphasized the relevance of ASEAN in the modern day, and the necessity for regional governments and people to stay aware of the situation in Myanmar. With the intensifying conflict between the U.S. and China, he is anxious that events could escalate and begin to spiral.