Asean seeking new strategies to address Myanmar crisis – Marcos

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attend the 27th ASEAN-China Summit at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos, October 10, 2024. REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is looking for new ways to address the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

In a media interview on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Laos, Marcos said Asean is also holding informal consultations since no improvement in the situation in Myanmar was observed despite the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

“The position of the Philippines remains the same. We are firmly behind the Asean Five-Point Consensus and we are trying to find ways to move forward,” he said.

READ: Myanmar, South China Sea tensions take center stage at Asean Summit

“Because we have to admit that although the Five-Point (Consensus) have been out there since 2021, we have not been very successful in actually improving the situation. So, we are trying to think of new strategies.”

The President, nevertheless, said the Philippines remains committed to implementing the 5PC to end the political crisis in Myanmar.

The 5PC calls for the immediate cessation of violence and the conduct of constructive dialogue seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict.

READ: Myanmar to send rep to Asean summit for first time in three years

It also aims to facilitate an Asean special envoy for mediation of the dialogue process; provision of Asean’s humanitarian assistance; and a special envoy’s visit to Myanmar to meet with all parties concerned.

The military wrested power in Myanmar after a coup in February 2021, triggering mass protests and violence.