The article discusses ASEAN's ongoing efforts to resolve the five-year-long civil war in Myanmar, focusing on their recent engagement with the military junta led by Min Aung Hlaing.

Despite the junta's attempts to gain international legitimacy through elections, critics argue that ASEAN's approach lacks depth, as it fails to address the violence and exclude key stakeholders like the National Unity Government.A central issue is the uncertainty surrounding Aung San Suu Kyi's status, with her son Kim Aris demanding independent proof of her safety.The junta's claims about her well-being lack verifiable evidence, casting doubt on the feasibility of a genuine peace process.

The article emphasizes that ASEAN's engagement must ensure all sides, including ethnic armed groups and the opposition, are included, and that the junta must provide concrete evidence of Suu Kyi's survival.

Without these measures, the engagement risks legitimizing the junta's actions without meaningful concessions, potentially exacerbating the conflict.