Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing criticizes ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, alleges discrimination
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Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing on Friday criticized ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus peace plan, accusing the bloc of discriminating against his country. In a speech marking 100 days in office, he argued the 2021 agreement was not a true consensus and warned of 'case-by-case' responses to discriminatory actions. The criticism deepens the junta's defiance of ASEAN, which has barred its leaders from summits since late 2021.
The Speech
Min Aung Hlaing addressed the military-backed parliament on Friday, marking 100 days since he became president after leading the 2021 coup. He said Myanmar had observed 'discriminatory' practices by some ASEAN members over the past five years but had 'exercised patience' as a responsible member. He argued the Five-Point Consensus was 'not the consensus of all ASEAN member states' but only a statement of the then-ASEAN chair Brunei. He added that Myanmar would respond to any 'discriminatory actions that are not constructive' on a case-by-case basis.
The Five-Point Consensus
The plan was agreed at a special ASEAN summit in Jakarta in April 2021, two months after the military seized power. It called for an immediate end to violence, access to humanitarian aid, and dialogue among all parties. Myanmar's junta has largely ignored the consensus, opting to use force against opposition groups it labels 'terrorists.' In response, ASEAN barred junta leaders from its summits in late 2021, a ban that remains in place.
Junta's Pushback
Since Min Aung Hlaing's inauguration in April, the junta has pushed for full readmission to ASEAN while growing more defiant. Earlier this month, Myanmar's pro-military parliament adopted a motion rejecting the Five-Point Consensus as interference in internal affairs. Last week, the Foreign Ministry said it was 'obliged to respect' the motion and claimed the consensus was 'released without reaching a consensus among all Member States.'
What's Next
ASEAN leaders are expected to review Myanmar's membership status at their next summit in November, but it remains unclear whether the bloc will impose further sanctions or seek renewed dialogue. Analysts warn that the junta's hardened stance could prolong the political stalemate and deepen Myanmar's diplomatic isolation.
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Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing criticizes ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, alleges discrimination
