Southeast Asian Nations Consider Easing Myanmar’s Isolation

Sentiment is warming among some Southeast Asian nations toward easing Myanmar’s isolation five years after the 2021 coup. A top Cambodian official cited the release of more than 4,000 prisoners and the transfer of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi to house arrest as grounds for deeper engagement.

Kung Phoak, a senior official in Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said there will be ongoing conversations among ASEAN members.

He made the remark when asked whether Myanmar's coup chief-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing could be invited to the next ASEAN summit, slated for November. Indonesia’s foreign minister echoed comments about deepening engagement with Myanmar. Thailand has also signaled the need for talks with the country.

The diplomatic signals coincide with lobbying efforts in Washington. Roger Stone accepted $50,000 a month to provide lobbying services to Myanmar’s military junta and is providing public affairs services to the country’s ministry of information. The services are directed at rebuilding relations between the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the United States, with a focus on trade, natural resources, and humanitarian relief.

Roger Stone is listed as a consultant for the firm the DCI Group. Stone, 73, was convicted in 2019 of obstructing a congressional investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election. He was sentenced to 40 months but never went to jail and was granted clemency by Trump in 2020.

Myanmar’s military rulers held staggered elections earlier this year. Min Aung Hlaing was appointed president last month. More than 450 people were killed in air and drone strikes in Myanmar in March.

The toll represented the highest monthly death toll since resistance to the 2021 coup began, according to Acled. The 2021 coup plunged the country into economic turmoil and a spiralling civil war. Conflict has continued to rage across Myanmar in the months since the recent elections and appointment of Min Aung Hlaing.