Myanmar’s military-backed leader Min Aung Hlaing has visited Vietnam as the junta seeks closer regional engagement despite continuing conflict.
ASEAN faces a difficult diplomatic balance
Myanmar has remained in crisis since the 2021 coup, with armed conflict, displacement and extensive allegations of abuses. ASEAN has restricted the junta’s participation in senior meetings because it has not carried out the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus.
Vietnam’s engagement reflects the tension between maintaining channels of communication and avoiding political legitimacy for military rule. Any diplomatic value will be judged by concrete outcomes, including reduced violence, humanitarian access, release of political prisoners and inclusive dialogue.