Myanmar Junta Chief Faces Regional Summit After Deadly Quake
Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, will attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok this Friday, a rare international appearance since the 2021 coup. This occurs as Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, the worst to strike the nation in over a century. The quake, which struck last Friday, has claimed at least 2,886 lives, according to official figures released Wednesday, further complicating the already volatile political landscape. The Thai Foreign Ministry confirmed Min Aung Hlaing’s in-person attendance, having earlier suggested remote participation might be an option. This confirmation follows reports from The Bangkok Post and other news outlets.
Min Aung Hlaing’s presence at the BIMSTEC summit is significant given his international isolation. Subject to Western sanctions and barred from attending Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits due to the military junta’s failure to implement a peace plan, this visit represents a potential diplomatic opening. This engagement contrasts sharply with the junta’s pariah status following the coup, which plunged Myanmar into a brutal civil war and drew widespread international condemnation. Tragically, the earthquake appears to have inadvertently strengthened Min Aung Hlaing’s position by creating a humanitarian imperative for international engagement, opening diplomatic channels largely closed since the military ousted the elected government four years ago.
The BIMSTEC summit, scheduled for April 2nd to 4th, brings together leaders from seven Bay of Bengal nations:
- Thailand
- Myanmar
- India
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Bhutan
This regional forum fosters cooperation in sectors including trade, technology, and disaster management. The earthquake disaster will undoubtedly be a prominent discussion topic, potentially offering Myanmar opportunities for international assistance.
“He will join the meeting on the summit day,” Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura stated at a press conference.
This participation marks a significant shift in the international community’s interaction with the Myanmar junta. While ASEAN maintains its stance on excluding Min Aung Hlaing from its summits, the BIMSTEC platform offers a different avenue for engagement. This echoes, to some extent, the international response to the 2008 Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, which also saw increased humanitarian aid and diplomatic activity, albeit under a different political context. Similar instances globally show natural disasters temporarily easing political tensions, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which fostered cooperation between India and Pakistan.
The ramifications of Min Aung Hlaing’s presence at the summit are multifaceted. It could lead to increased humanitarian aid for earthquake relief, a much-needed lifeline for devastated regions. However, it also risks legitimizing the junta’s rule, potentially undermining international pressure for democratic reforms and accountability for human rights abuses. The international community will closely watch the summit’s outcomes and the subsequent actions of both the junta and participating nations.
Addressing Potential Questions:
- Why is Thailand allowing Min Aung Hlaing to attend? As the host nation, Thailand may be prioritizing regional stability and humanitarian concerns, particularly given the shared border and potential for refugee flows.
- Will this change ASEAN’s stance on Myanmar? While this event may not immediately shift ASEAN’s official policy, it could influence the broader dynamic and potentially open doors for future, albeit cautious, engagement.
In conclusion, Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance at the BIMSTEC summit presents a complex and delicate situation. While the earthquake has tragically created an opening for diplomatic engagement and potential aid, it also raises concerns about legitimizing the junta’s rule. The international community faces a difficult balancing act—addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Myanmar people while upholding principles of democracy and human rights. The summit’s outcomes will be closely scrutinized as they could significantly shape the future trajectory of Myanmar and the region.
