Myanmar Denied ASEAN Leadership in 2026, Generals Suffer Blow

Myanmar will not be allowed to lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, as decided by Southeast Asian leaders at a summit in Indonesia. The decision is a blow to Myanmar's ruling generals, who have been seeking international recognition since seizing power in 2021. The Philippines will take over the chairmanship instead. Western governments, led by the United States, have condemned the military takeover and demanded the release of detained officials. The ASEAN leaders expressed their commitment to a five-point plan for restoring peace and stability in Myanmar, but also urged the military to de-escalate violence and stop targeted attacks on civilians. Myanmar's Foreign Ministry rejected the ASEAN statement as biased and one-sided.