July 13, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
The military junta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming that its Foreign Minister, U Tin Maung Swe, attended the informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and asserted that the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus (5PC) on the Myanmar crisis does not align with realities on the ground.
During the session, U Tin Maung Swe briefed ASEAN ministers, claiming that the junta operates as a newly elected government and has prioritized stability, the rule of law, and national development since assuming state responsibilities. Furthermore, he highlighted the regime’s efforts in combating transnational crimes—including online scam networks (locally known as kyar phant), narcotics trafficking, and human trafficking—while maintaining that humanitarian assistance delivered via the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) is being distributed without discrimination.
However, regarding ASEAN’s core demands, the junta representative explicitly stated that the Five-Point Consensus conflicts with the fundamental principles of the regional bloc.
“The Five-Point Consensus (5PC) contradicts the fundamental principles of ASEAN and does not align with Myanmar’s current political reality,” U Tin Maung Swe stated. “As the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw [Assembly of the Union] approved an urgent motion on July 9 calling for a necessary review of this framework, the elected government is duty-bound to act in accordance with the parliament’s decision.”
He urged ASEAN member states to view Myanmar’s delicate political landscape and ground realities through a constructive lens. The junta’s foreign ministry statement concluded by expressing optimism that Myanmar would soon regain its original role and rights within ASEAN, promising to sustain cooperation to the fullest extent possible.
Following the conclusion of the session, foreign ministers from ASEAN member states engaged in an exchange of views regarding the modalities of future engagement with Myanmar.
