Cambodia to not invite Myanmar Foreign Minister to ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
On 3 February 2022, Cambodia announced that it would not invite Myanmar’s Foreign Minister to the ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting to be held 16 and 17 February. Instead, Cambodia will only invite Myanmar’s nonpolitical representative to attend.
Prime Minister Hun Sen had previously expressed his intention to invite the junta leader to the meeting, but he did not do so for two reasons. First, there is disagreement among ASEAN members, with some still opposed to the military-installed foreign minister Wanna Maung Lwin. Second, Myanmar has not made adequate progress in the implementation of the five-point consensus agreed by ASEAN in 2021.
While Cambodia expressed concerns regarding the continued violence in Myanmar, a Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated it was better to have a non-political delegate for the meeting rather than having no representative at all. The junta has not yet responded to the announcement.
Despite that, it was rumored that Myanmar would send U Chan Aye, a non-political senior official, to attend the meeting, however, this has not been officially confirmed. This event is another example of ASEAN’s firm approach to the situation in Myanmar in hopes to make progress toward the implementation of the five-point consensus, yet there is still much to be achieved.
Min Aung Hlaing agrees to let ASEAN Envoy meet the NLD Members
In a surprising move, the military junta’s leader has agreed to allow ASEAN Special Envoy Prak Sokhonn, the incumbent Foreign Minister of Cambodia, to meet Aung San Suu Kyi’s party members on a future visit to Myanmar.
This commitment was stated in the virtual meeting between Prime Minister Hun Sen and the junta’s leader on 26 January. The General, however, did not specify which members of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party the Special Envoy would meet.
Kao Kim Hourn, a Cambodian Senior Minister and ally to the Prime Minister, doubted that Prak Sokhonn would not be able to meet with Aung Sann Suu Kyi on his first visit and, as the aim is to meet relevant stakeholders, this could be a sign of multiple future visits. The junta’s spokesman, however, has not been reachable for comments on the announcement.
In allowing the ASEAN Special Envoy to visit NLD party members, this approach seems to be a softening of Myanmar’s stance toward ASEAN. Meeting Suu Kyi’s party members shall be a breakthrough for Cambodia, particularly when compared to the previous ASEAN chair. However, until the visit to Myanmar actually takes place, the pledge remains just a verbal commitment.
Indonesia orders the purchase of 42 Rafale jetfighters from France
The Indonesian government ordered its first six Rafale jets from France on 10 February 2022 in a deal that will result in 42 Rafale jets, ammunition and submarine development, worth over $8.1 billion. This deal makes Indonesia the largest buyers of French arms in the region.
The first six Rafale jets will be delivered to Indonesia next month while the remaining will be delivered in late 2022 or into 2023. Indonesia chose this specific jet based on its capabilities, operational efficiency and also given that the model is undergoing a development program worth over €2 billion.
The French Armed Force Minister commended the modernization of Indonesia’s defense force which would play a vital role in the region. Dassault Aviation – the aircraft manufacturer – applauded the long-term partnership with Indonesia as a way to increase its presence in the region. Indonesia has demonstrated commitment to establishing defense cooperation with France while also seeking to upgrade its air force.
This upgrade indicates Indonesia’s ambition to boost its capability and maritime status, but it could also harden the tension with China in the South China Sea and complicate negotiations on the ASEAN Code of Conduct on the South China Sea set to conclude in 2022.
Amnesty International could face expulsion from Thailand
On 11 February 2022, an aide to Thailand’s Prime Minister threatened to expel Amnesty International from Thailand as some groups have accused it of undermining Thailand’s national security.
About 1.2 million signatures have been gathered in a petition opposing Amnesty International to be submitted to the Ministry of Interior and the National Security Council in the following week.
Royalist supporters have accused Amnesty International of backing groups that seek to depose the Thai monarchy and also empower anti-government and anti-constitutional movements in the country. Prime Minister Prayut ordered an investigation of the human rights organization in November, however, he has not make any public announcement of the potential expulsion. Amnesty International continues to encourage the Thai government to value its human rights pledge and abide by international human rights law.
With signatures in petitions continuing to grow, the anti-Amnesty International sentiment is starting to gain momentum. This reveals the strong support of the Thai people towards their monarchy, despite the accusations of human rights violations in Thailand. In contrast, some are concerned that if Amnesty International is expelled from Thailand, it could signal a deterioration of human rights.
Sovinda Po is a Research Assistant at the Griffith Asia Institute.
