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Myanmar

Myanmar Coup Weakens Southeast Asia Security and Cooperation

The generals’ seizure of power leaves ASEAN with a reduced regional role — and U.S. policymakers with a multilateral quandary.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 / By: Brian Harding; Jason Tower

Southeast Asian governments have reacted to the coup in Myanmar in diverse ways that reflect divergent interests. Some, such as Singapore, have condemned the generals’ violence against anti-coup protesters. Others, including Vietnam, have strategic concerns behind their limited willingness to speak out. Cambodia may believe it benefits from the takeover as international attention shifts to Myanmar. They can all agree, though, that fallout from the coup is damaging the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at a time when the broader regional order is in flux.

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