ASEAN’s Stance on Myanmar Remains Unchanged
On 6 May 2026, the Philippines, current ASEAN rotating chair, called on the military junta to allow State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to meet with the ASEAN Special Envoy, stating that such access is a necessary condition for meaningful engagement with all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar. The Philippines also demanded that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi be allowed to meet with her family members to demonstrate a genuine commitment to national reconciliation.
At the 48th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu, Philippines from 7 to 9 May, the junta leader and his foreign minister continued to face exclusion by ASEAN, as they were barred from attending. Philippine President Marcos expressed that member states were deeply frustrated by the Myanmar military leader’s failure to implement the Five-Point Consensus, which he had personally agreed to, including the cessation of violence and the convening of an inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders.
In a statement issued on 8 May, the ASEAN Chair expressed grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation across Myanmar, the ongoing conflicts, and the limited progress in implementing the Five-Point Consensus. The statement reaffirmed that the Five-Point Consensus remains in effect, and condemned attacks on civilians and public infrastructure.
While welcoming the release of President U Win Myint and other political prisoners and the relocation of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the statement called for the immediate release of all remaining political prisoners.