Philippines, as new ASEAN chair, holds talks with Myanmar’s NUG and ethnic armed groups

The Philippines, the newly appointed chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), hosted talks with Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) and other regime opponents earlier this week, sources said. The discussions took place in Tagaytay, near the Philippine capital Manila, from January 19 to 20 and were attended by the country’s foreign minister, Maria Theresa Parreno Lazaro, and Dr. Sai Khaing Myo Tun, the NUG’s deputy foreign minister. Representatives from key revolutionary and political bodies also participated, including the National Unity Consultative Council, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, the Chin National Front, and the Pa-O National Federal Council. In October last year, the same bodies joined a delegation led by NUG Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung to discuss the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar with Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan of Malaysia, the former ASEAN rotating chair. During the meetings, the Myanmar political groups urged ASEAN not to recognise elections organised by the military junta and called for stronger protection of civilians from airstrikes, artillery attacks, and other forms of violence. They also pressed ASEAN to hold the military accountable for failing to comply with the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus. According to a source close to the NUG, discussions focused on implementing the consensus—formulated soon after the military seized power in February 2021—and advancing a set of minimum political principles acceptable to all stakeholders. The source said the Philippines is continuing discussions based on groundwork laid during last year’s talks in Malaysia, where all parties agreed on the need to establish a common political ground. On Thursday, Philippine Foreign Minister Lazaro wrote on social media platform X that she encouraged Myanmar political forces to share constructive views to help advance implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. The consensus calls for an immediate end to violence, inclusive dialogue among all parties, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The military junta’s failure to implement the agreement has led ASEAN to bar Myanmar’s military leaders and political representatives from high-level ASEAN meetings. Meanwhile, the regime is proceeding with elections it designed unilaterally, divided into three phases. The third phase is scheduled for January 25. ASEAN will not send election observers and will not recognise the results, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said on January 20. “We have said ASEAN will not send observers, and by virtue of that, we will not certify the polls,” he said.

Philippines, as new ASEAN chair, holds talks with Myanmar’s NUG and ethnic armed groups

Discussions focussed on ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, civilian protection, and opposition to military-run elections

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