ASEAN Leaders Urge Immediate Halt to Violence in Myanmar, Call for Ceasefire Extension

Civil War in Myanmar Continues Since February 2021
Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Struck in March
Criticism of Trump’s Tariff War... Joint ASEAN Response Confirmed

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders have called on both the military regime and rebel forces involved in Myanmar's civil war to immediately halt acts of violence and to extend the current ceasefire.

Shinhwa Yonhap News

According to Kyodo News and other sources on May 28, the heads of member states attending the 46th ASEAN Summit, which was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 26, issued a joint statement the previous day. In the statement, they expressed "deep concern over the escalating conflict and worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar" and urged all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis.

They emphasized, "All parties must immediately cease acts of violence against civilians and public facilities," and added, "The ceasefire should be extended and expanded nationwide to create a safe environment for humanitarian assistance."

Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war. In March of this year, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake caused significant damage.

The military regime and the core rebel force, the Brotherhood Alliance?a coalition of ethnic armed groups?declared a ceasefire for earthquake recovery until the end of this month. However, clashes have continued even during the ceasefire period.

This year’s ASEAN chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, met with Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in Thailand last month. He also held talks with representatives of the National Unity Government (NUG), the pro-democracy interim government.

Earlier, on May 26, ASEAN indirectly criticized President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and reaffirmed its commitment to a joint response.

The leaders stressed that "unilateral and retaliatory trade measures are unproductive and risk worsening global economic fragmentation," and emphasized the need for unity to ensure regional economic stability, resilience, and long-term growth.