What's happened
At the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, leaders discussed disaster relief following a devastating earthquake that killed over 3,000 in Myanmar. Controversy arose over the attendance of Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, who has faced international isolation since the 2021 coup. The summit aims to address humanitarian needs and regional cooperation.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Min Aung Hlaing's Isolation: His attendance at the summit marks a significant shift, as he has been largely shunned by the international community since the coup. This visit may be an attempt to regain legitimacy on the global stage.
- Disaster Response: The earthquake has highlighted the junta's failure to manage humanitarian crises effectively. Critics argue that the military prioritizes suppressing dissent over aiding its citizens.
- Regional Dynamics: The summit reflects a complex interplay of regional politics, with countries like Thailand balancing humanitarian concerns against diplomatic relations with Myanmar's military government.
- Future Implications: The junta's ongoing military actions, even during disaster relief efforts, suggest that the situation in Myanmar will remain volatile. The international community's response to this summit could influence future engagements with the junta.
What the papers say
The Independent reported that the summit leaders expressed condolences and discussed relief efforts, while also facing backlash for including Min Aung Hlaing, who has been criticized for his regime's actions since the coup (The Independent, April 4, 2025). The New York Times highlighted that this visit is significant for Hlaing, as it provides him with much-needed international attention despite ongoing airstrikes in Myanmar (Sui-Lee Wee, April 3, 2025). Meanwhile, the Japan Times noted that the earthquake has ended Hlaing's isolation, allowing him to engage with regional leaders (Panu Wongcha-Um, April 2, 2025). Critics, including Justice for Myanmar, argue that engaging with Hlaing legitimizes his regime and undermines the struggles of the Myanmar people (The Independent, April 3, 2025).
How we got here
The recent earthquake in Myanmar, measuring 7.7, exacerbated an ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from a civil war that began after the military coup in February 2021. The BIMSTEC summit, involving seven nations, was postponed last year due to political instability in Thailand.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the earthquake for Myanmar?
- How has the international community reacted to Hlaing's attendance?
- What are the main goals of the BIMSTEC summit?
Common question
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What is the current humanitarian situation in Myanmar?
Myanmar is facing a severe humanitarian crisis following a military coup in 2021 and a recent devastating earthquake. This situation has drawn international attention and criticism, particularly regarding the actions of the military junta led by Min Aung Hlaing. Here, we explore the current state of affairs and the implications for Myanmar's future.
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What are the humanitarian impacts of the recent earthquake in Myanmar?
The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has led to significant humanitarian challenges, with over 3,000 lives lost and many more affected. As the country grapples with the aftermath, questions arise about the immediate needs for relief, the response from the military junta, and the broader implications for regional politics and ongoing conflicts.
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Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, it is composed of 76 provinces, and covers an area of 513,120 square kilometres, and a population
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Min Aung Hlaing is a Burmese army general who is the current Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces. He assumed the post on 30 March 2011. He is also a member of the National Defence and Security Council chaired by the President of Myanmar.
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The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations, housing 1.73 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of...
