Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday described recent diplomatic efforts on Myanmar as “significant” but delicate, as Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Kuala Lumpur for high-stakes talks focused on resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and navigating growing economic uncertainty linked to U.S. trade policies.
The summit comes as Myanmar remains engulfed in chaos following the 2021 military coup that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The violent crackdown on dissent has sparked a civil conflict, with over 3.5 million people displaced, according to United Nations figures.
Anwar, who is chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, emphasized the importance of discreet diplomatic engagement. He revealed that he had recently met Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok, alongside virtual discussions with the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), labeling these interactions as tentative progress in a fragile process.
“Even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf when it comes to peace,” Anwar said in his address at the summit’s opening.
ASEAN leaders are expected to deliberate on revitalizing the group’s Myanmar peace initiative and potentially appointing a long-term regional envoy to oversee mediation, replacing the current system of rotating annual appointments. Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan indicated that extensive negotiations remain necessary and confirmed plans to visit Myanmar next month.
Meanwhile, attention is also focused on regional economic challenges. Southeast Asia is bracing for the fallout from steep tariffs proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened import duties of up to 49% on six ASEAN member states beginning in July. The bloc is exploring coordinated responses to the looming trade strain.
Anwar said he had reached out to Trump requesting dialogue between ASEAN and the U.S. to address the tariff threats, underscoring the urgency for a united front amid a $3.8 trillion regional economy. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. echoed the need for collective action, stressing that ASEAN must reconcile the varying economic conditions among its members.
Indonesia's Marty Natalegawa urged the bloc to align its strategy to avoid a fragmented approach in negotiations with Washington. “Without coordination, the region risks falling into a lose-lose scenario,” he warned.
The summit will also include talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and leaders from Gulf countries, with maritime security high on the agenda. ASEAN is seeking to advance stalled negotiations with Beijing on a long-awaited code of conduct for the South China Sea—a flashpoint of regional tensions.
Highlighting repeated clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels, Marcos urged swift action to establish a binding agreement. “It is crucial to safeguard maritime rights, enhance regional stability, and prevent dangerous miscalculations,” he stated.
The summit continues Tuesday with economic discussions set to take center stage.
