In 2014, Myanmar (formerly Burma) took on the prestigious role of chairing the ASEAN summit, a position that marked a significant turning point for the long-isolated nation. This honor was a direct result of the country's recent political reforms, which saw the transition from a military regime to a civilian government and the release of political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. This remarkable progress was widely celebrated by the international community, leading to the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.
The Weight of a New Role
While a great honor, the ASEAN chairmanship came with significant challenges for Myanmar. As the host of numerous high-level meetings, including summits attended by global powers like the United States, China, Japan, and Russia, Myanmar had to prepare for a level of international scrutiny and logistical complexity it had not faced in decades. Its lack of experience with such large-scale events and a limited pool of human resources for internationally structured meetings posed a serious logistical test.
Beyond the logistical challenges, Myanmar faced the formidable task of navigating the region's most contentious geopolitical issue: the South China Sea dispute. This conflict, involving several ASEAN members and China, has often led to diplomatic deadlocks. Given its prior experience, Cambodia, as a previous ASEAN chair, had faced criticism for its handling of the issue. This history underscored the immense pressure on Myanmar to remain neutral and facilitate a productive dialogue, balancing the competing interests of powerful nations like the U.S. and China.
Internal and External Scrutiny
Myanmar's chairmanship was also under intense scrutiny for its internal affairs. Despite its political reforms, the country was grappling with a surge in religious violence that had led to a significant number of deaths and the displacement of thousands of people. This crisis drew criticism from the international community and human rights organizations, who questioned whether the country was ready to lead a regional bloc while facing such a grave human rights issue at home.
Ultimately, skeptics argued that it was too soon for Myanmar to be given the ASEAN chair, as it had yet to fully resolve its internal conflicts. However, the decision to grant Myanmar the position was also seen as a strategic move. By bestowing this honor, the international community provided a powerful positive incentive for the Burmese government to continue its path toward more comprehensive reforms, including a greater commitment to democracy and human rights.
Read more about Conflicts between China and Vietnam to Increase Pressure over Cambodia
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