Southeast Asian leaders seek Myanmar peace progress, trade strategies

26/5/2025 12:04

Southeast Asia's leaders will try again when they meet on Monday to bring Myanmar's military government into talks to end a protracted civil war, and will seek ways to offset global trade uncertainty from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats.



After weekend ministerial meetings, government leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are expected to continue to discuss proposals on Myanmar at a summit on Monday and Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur.



Myanmar has been in turmoil since its military overthrew the elected civilian government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, triggering pro-democracy protests that morphed into a widening rebellion that has taken over swathes of the country.



Malaysia, this year's ASEAN chair, says it will continue speaking separately to the junta and to Myanmar's armed opposition groups to try to foster direct talks between the warring sides.