Min Aung Hlaing rejects ASEAN consensus on Myanmar as bloc’s position

The junta leader made the remarks in a speech to the country’s military-backed parliament marking his first 100 days as president. "We will not accept any external interference," Min Aung Hlaing said. "We will deal with our domestic affairs in our own way." ASEAN has called on the Myanmar junta to cease hostilities, engage in dialogue with all parties, and allow humanitarian access. However, the junta has largely ignored these demands and has refused to allow ASEAN's special envoy to enter the country. Min Aung Hlaing argued that the ASEAN consensus "infringes on Myanmar's sovereignty" and constitutes "unwarranted interference" in the country's internal affairs. "We will not accept any decision by ASEAN that goes against our national interests," he added. The remarks highlight the growing tensions between the Myanmar junta and ASEAN. The junta has made it clear that it will continue to rule the country in its own way, disregarding the ASEAN consensus.