CNI News
April 28, 2026
Political analysts and parliamentarians are currently debating the importance of the ASEAN organization for Myanmar.
Following the events of February 1, 2021—where the Myanmar military declared a state of emergency and ousted the NLD government over unresolved 2020 general election voter list disputes—ASEAN took an active role in handling the Myanmar crisis. Consequently, Myanmar's military leaders have been excluded from ASEAN meetings to this day.
Observers are now closely watching whether the new government, formed following the recent elections, can restore relations with ASEAN.
Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that ASEAN is vital for Myanmar across three sectors, warning that total reliance on China for export markets is an unfavorable prospect.
Market Diversification: "Broadly speaking, ASEAN is important for Myanmar. Relying entirely on China for our export market is not good. It is unwise to depend on a single country for a single product or as a sole partner. We need balance, and the ASEAN market is significant."
Attendees at an ASEAN summit.
Energy and Resources: "In the future, we must use clean coal for electricity until hydropower can be fully implemented. Hydropower projects in ethnic regions often feel like a 'resource curse.' A smart government should not over-rely on hydropower from ethnic areas but should look toward ASEAN neighbors like Indonesia for coal."
Diplomatic Counterbalance: "Regarding foreign relations, the US isn't interested in us directly to counterbalance China's influence; if they are interested, they engage via Singapore. ASEAN is vital for us in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), diplomacy, technology, and external employment opportunities."
Analysts point out that Thailand's stance as a neighbor is key to restoring ties, but progress depends on the government implementing ASEAN's "Five-Point Consensus."
Dr. Kyaw Swe, a People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw) representative from the Unity and Development Party (UDP/Taysany), emphasized that Myanmar cannot survive on Chinese support alone.
President U Min Aung Hlaing at a National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) meeting.
"Myanmar is in a diplomatic crisis. We cannot rely solely on China. Long-term development projects are only possible if we enhance diplomacy and cooperate with neighboring countries and organizations. If you cannot get along with your closest community (ASEAN), you cannot hope to get along with the rest of the world. Just being on good terms with one or two neighbors isn't enough."
"Without passing through ASEAN, we won't be able to engage widely in the global diplomatic arena, and our exports will face market barriers. Furthermore, as long as international recognition for our domestic political movements remains low, it diminishes the dignity of being a citizen. For the sake of the people, we believe the best path is to comply and harmonize with all international partners."
Political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw added that while close neighbors like China, India, and Thailand are important, global integration is the ultimate goal.
"Myanmar is a member of the global family. While some might think having good ties with China, India, and Thailand is enough during difficult times, it's always better to be on good terms with everyone. We must think about how to become a country that the world respects and values."
On April 10, 2026, during the first regular session of the third Union Parliament(Pyidaungsu Hluttaw), President U Min Aung Hlaing stated that as Myanmar is an ASEAN member, the government will strive to restore normal relations with the organization.
