CNI News
June 18, 2026
Military and political analysts are sharing their assessments on how Myanmar can navigate its path back to ASEAN through the context of Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
ASEAN has not expelled Myanmar from its membership. However, due to the political developments that unfolded after 2021, Myanmar's political representation in high-level summits has been restricted.
Furthermore, analysts point out that China is not only ASEAN’s neighbor but also the most powerful nation in the region in terms of economy, diplomacy, and security. Consequently, most ASEAN countries are in a position where they cannot afford to avoid economic dependence on China.
Therefore, a political analyst told CNI News Agency that Myanmar is approaching China because it wants Myanmar to fully reintegrate with ASEAN.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing.
He said, "It’s not that Myanmar is abandoning ASEAN. China is taking the lead in bringing Myanmar and ASEAN together. On another note, even if he (U Min Aung Hlaing) wanted to attend, no ASEAN country would invite him on their own accord. That is why China is the one exerting push and pressure from one side to make the integration with ASEAN happen. U Min Aung Hlaing is approaching China because he wants to reintegrate with ASEAN. In reality, his primary step was to go to China first. China is trying to make sure Myanmar can participate back in ASEAN and that ASEAN accepts them."
Following U Min Aung Hlaing taking office as president, within just a few months—and despite previous moves by ASEAN nations to exclude Myanmar—the foreign ministers of Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, and Indonesia visited Nay Pyi Taw for discussions.
Military and political analysts point out that this landscape suggests a potential shift in ASEAN’s approach to the Myanmar crisis. They also highlighted that the changing approaches of powerful neighboring countries like China and India toward Myanmar are affecting ASEAN’s own stance.
Currently, President U Min Aung Hlaing appears to have formulated a strategic plan, and it seems he might have even set ASEAN aside for the moment, while only a few ASEAN member states remain opposed to Myanmar, according to U Nyo Ohn Myint, an advisor to the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank, who spoke to CNI News.
The Lao Foreign Minister and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing.
He stated, "Although the opposition says there is nothing to discuss amidst blood feuds, we are currently seeing them employ defensive retreats rather than holding defensive lines. Following the election, the President seems to be thinking strategically. In my view, I think he has even set ASEAN aside. That is just my personal opinion."
Right after U Min Aung Hlaing assumed office as president, he visited the two powerful neighboring countries, India and China, and held discussions with their respective leaders.
On the other hand, to seek a solution to the Myanmar issue, the ASEAN Alternate Chair and Philippine Foreign Minister has stated that they will meet and discuss with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). Similarly, the Malaysian Foreign Minister has called for extending the peace invitation beyond 100 days.
Likewise, the Indonesian Foreign Minister has also expressed commitment to helping Myanmar achieve peace.
