The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit opened on May 6, 2026, in Cebu, Philippines, with Myanmar's military junta notably excluded from the meeting. The bloc has maintained its stance that Myanmar's junta leaders are not welcome until they make tangible progress on the five-point consensus peace plan agreed upon in 2021.
ASEAN foreign ministers reiterated that the exclusion is a consequence of the junta's failure to implement the peace plan, which calls for an end to violence and dialogue among all parties. The summit is expected to focus on regional issues, including economic cooperation and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military coup in February 2021, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests has led to widespread condemnation and sanctions from Western nations.
ASEAN's decision to exclude the junta reflects the bloc's frustration with the lack of progress and its commitment to upholding the principles of the ASEAN Charter, which emphasizes democracy and the rule of law. The summit is also expected to address other regional challenges, such as the South China Sea disputes and the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
