US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Sunday called on China and ASEAN members to pressure Myanmar’s rulers to return to democracy and implement the peace deal agreed with the group, Reuters reported.
“It is up to China and it is in China’s interest to see Burma get back on track,” Blinken said, using the country’s former name.
Speaking at a press conference in Bangkok during his Asia tour, Blinken called on members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to hold Myanmar’s government accountable to the “five-point consensus” peace deal.
“Regional support for the regime’s adherence to the five-point consensus developed by ASEAN is critical – that has not happened,” said Blinken.
“ASEAN countries must hold the regime accountable for this … continue to demand an end to violence and the release of prisoners,” he added.
The nine ASEAN members and Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing signed an agreement last April that included an immediate cessation of violence and dialogue between all parties. “There has been no positive movement on this issue.”
Myanmar’s military has stepped up pressure against ethnic minority forces since last year’s coup and is facing resistance on multiple fronts, including from militia groups allied with the ousted government.
Last week, Thailand sent fighter jets after a Myanmar jet violated its airspace in the country’s northwest.
Myanmar shares a 2,400km border with Thailand, the longest of any of its neighbours.
The United States and Thailand signed deals on Sunday to deepen the countries’ already strong ties, as Washington steps up efforts to counter China’s growing influence in Asia.
Blinken’s visit comes a day after he met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Indonesia on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting.
China’s Wang has been engaged in intense diplomatic talks across Asia in recent weeks and met with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday.
Blinken last year postponed a trip to Thailand, America’s oldest ally in Asia, after a regional tour was halted when a case of COVID-19 was found in the press corps accompanying him.
After the meeting with Blinken, Prayuth said the relationship between the two countries “continues to grow with momentum”.
The Biden administration has sought to strengthen ties with a region that had become uncertain of U.S. commitment during a period of neglect under Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump. During that time, China expanded its influence while pushing for investment and trade integration.
After Thailand, he will make a previously unscheduled stop in Tokyo to offer his condolences to the Japanese people following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the State Department said.
Source: Capital
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