President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday that he plans to explore a new approach to the conflict in Myanmar when the Philippines assumes the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.
Speaking to reporters during a state visit to Malaysia, Marcos said ASEAN member states agree that the situation in Myanmar has worsened since the conflict began following the 2021 military coup.
He stressed the need to “try something different.”
Marcos said he raised this proposal with current ASEAN chairman, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has since reached out to various stakeholders in Myanmar to assess the situation and potential solutions.
To recall, the ASEAN has called for a ceasefire in Myanmar to allow humanitarian aid and to identify refugees who have fled to Thailand and Indonesia. Marcos acknowledged that resolving the conflict will take more than a year.
“I proposed to PM Anwar, which he agreed with, is that let us come to an agreement that since I am the Chair for next year, that we should look — do not limit — you should not limit yourself to making commitments or entering into agreements that may last beyond your chairmanship,” Marcos said.
He assured Ibrahim that any actions agreed upon would be upheld and continued by the Philippines during its ASEAN chairmanship.
“Because so long as you and I agree, you PM Anwar and me, we agree on the principle of what you are committing to for ASEAN and for with Myanmar. And even if it continues beyond your chairmanship, we will pick it up when we become chairman and we will build on that,” said the President.
He noted that negotiations with Myanmar tend to reset with each new ASEAN chairmanship, suggesting a need for a more sustained strategy.
“So, I think that there’s new thinking now when it comes to Myanmar,” he said.
Marcos expressed hope that upcoming elections in Myanmar might lead to a ceasefire, as stakeholders within the country have struggled to find common ground. He noted divisions within Myanmar’s opposition movement.
Malaysia appointed a special envoy earlier this year to try to bridge divides within Myanmar. Marcos said he also sent a special representative to assist in this mission at Ibrahim’s request.