Introduction
In the current political landscape of Myanmar, the ruling military regime has been observed making state-level visits to neighboring countries that are amenable to it. This can be seen as an attempt by the military regime to gain international recognition. So far, they have visited three countries, including powerful China, as well as India and Laos. The article “Naypyidaw’s Gamble Between New Delhi and Beijing” has already covered the military leader’s trips to China and India.
These trips have not only brought economic benefits to the military regime but have also revitalized its diplomatic activities internationally. In this situation, the military regime has begun to question the stance of regional ASEAN member states. This analytical paper examines the military regime’s parliamentary activities as a political strategy.
Objection to ASEAN’s Consensus
Recently, the parliament, formed by the illegitimate election held by the coup military regime, reviewed ASEAN’s five-point consensus on Myanmar. The lead discussant was Dr. Nandar Hla Myint from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the military junta’s party.
Dr. Nandar Hla Myint submitted a proposal to the Union Parliament stating, “The ASEAN Five-Point Statement infringes upon Myanmar’s equal standing within ASEAN, contradicts ASEAN’s fundamental principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation, and is inconsistent with the current political reality of Myanmar. Therefore, it is requested that it be reviewed and acted upon as necessary.”[1]
After the military, led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, seized power in 2021, ASEAN nations, along with countries worldwide, imposed sanctions on Myanmar. Dr. Nanda Hla Myint pointed out that ASEAN had disregarded its good tradition of prioritizing shared values with a spirit of unity.[2] He further criticized the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, stating that it was not based on the unanimous consent of all ASEAN member states but rather on the agreement of the previous ASEAN Chair (Indonesia), and that it deviated from ASEAN’s fundamental principles.
The Union Parliament decided to accept and discuss the proposal with 518 votes in favor out of 551 eligible voters.[3] Regarding this proposal, discussions continued in the Pyithu Hluttaw in early July, with 12 individuals supporting the discussion.[4] It was observed that the discussions highlighted issues such as the reception of the National Unity Government (NUG), which they declared a terrorist organization, in addition to ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, the bypassing of the ASEAN rotating chairmanship, and ASEAN’s tripartite mechanism on Myanmar affairs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite sanctions imposed by Western countries, the military regime currently enjoys significant support from powerful China and India, as well as a certain degree of support from Russia. This creates a politically more favorable situation for them on the global stage. Under these circumstances, the military regime also seeks recognition from the regional ASEAN bloc, but ASEAN has not yet granted it.
The fact that five ASEAN member countries sent congratulatory messages on the day the coup leader was sworn in as president indicates disagreements within ASEAN regarding Myanmar’s affairs. Therefore, it is submitted that the reassessment of ASEAN’s common consensus is a maneuver to exploit differing stances within ASEAN and expand their international recognition.
[1] Nandar Hla Myint, June 26, 2026: The proposal “urging the Union Government to review and take necessary action regarding the ASEAN Five-Point Statement, as it infringes upon Myanmar’s equal standing within ASEAN, contradicts ASEAN’s fundamental principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation, and is inconsistent with Myanmar’s current political reality” was submitted to the Union Parliament. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1024721020161528
[2] Popular News Journal, July 2, 2026: Parliament discusses that ASEAN’s tradition of equality and negotiation should be maintained. https://www.facebook.com/popularnewsjournal/posts/pfbid02hPUny93YQE4cRUYEoH4nsHZzkRZd4g3rqg1peKSo1jRaCE4viVKLpPTLgCmNzdt3l
[3] The Irrawaddy, June 26, 2026: Proposal submitted to the coup parliament to reconsider the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HawEqmu3o/
[4] Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, July 7, 2026: The sixth day of the Third Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Second Regular Session (7-7-2026). https://www.youtube.com/live/xLELOnTRhJ8?si=U1pR1pf5Xf3ZfBr-
