Asean outreach may give Myanmar leaders legitimacy without results

Analysts warn that Asean's renewed efforts to engage with Myanmar could inadvertently grant the military-led government a semblance of legitimacy, despite the region's aim to reduce violence in the country. This re-engagement risks overshadowing the group's broader initiative to stabilize Myanmar, potentially leading to a situation where the junta maintains power without addressing the underlying conflicts. The implications could shift regional dynamics and affect Asean's credibility in tackling internal conflicts.