ASEAN & Myanmar: No New Junta Condemnation
ASEAN leaders voice “deep concern” regarding the escalating violence in Myanmar, but stop short of new sanctions. The ruling junta continues airstrikes and ignores ceasefire calls and the growing humanitarian crisis, despite junta leader Min Aung Hlaing’s recent meetings with Putin and Xi Jinping. Tensions simmer politically as the civil unrest continues. News Directory 3 provides up-to-the-minute coverage of thes critical developments. The five-point consensus remains a key focus for ASEAN,yet the junta’s actions present ongoing challenges for regional stability. What measures will be taken? Discover what’s next regarding the crisis in Myanmar.
ASEAN “Deeply Concerned” Over Myanmar Violence, Junta’s Actions
Updated May 27, 2025
Southeast Asian leaders have expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing violence and worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar. The statement, issued at the conclusion of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, stopped short of imposing further measures against the ruling junta. The junta has continued to kill civilians since seizing power four years ago.
In the weeks following a devastating earthquake in sagaing in March, the junta has persisted in launching deadly airstrikes on civilian areas controlled by ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces. The United Nations reported that the earthquake resulted in over 3,700 deaths, more than 5,100 injuries, and approximately 115 missing persons.
These actions occurred despite junta chief Min Aung Hlaing’s call for a ceasefire, mirroring similar calls from several rebel groups. The country is grappling with the immense needs of hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
This month, Min Aung Hlaing, who has been ostracized by the association of Southeast Asian Nations and barred from its meetings, traveled to Moscow to attend Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9. He stood alongside President vladimir Putin and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
These meetings have been interpreted as displays of support for the junta, which has reportedly lost control over significant portions of the country. The ongoing violence and political instability are contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, requiring urgent attention and a coordinated response.
What’s next
ASEAN’s continued focus on the five-point consensus aims to address the crisis in Myanmar, though the junta’s actions and international relations remain a challenge for regional stability and humanitarian efforts.