The Myanmar military council has sent an official letter to ASEAN Chair Malaysia objecting to Timor-Leste’s admission as an ASEAN member. In the letter, the council argues that Timor-Leste should not be accepted as a member due to its engagement with the National Unity Government (NUG). The military council accuses Timor-Leste of violating ASEAN’s principle of non-interference in internal affairs of member states.
During the ASEAN Summit held in Malaysia in May this year, member states agreed to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN in October. However, Timor-Leste has recognized and engaged with the NUG, allowing them to establish an official liaison office in the country. Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos-Horta has been openly supportive of Myanmar’s cause in international forums.
NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung visited Timor-Leste in 2023 and 2024, leading to the establishment of an NUG liaison office in 2024. Timor-Leste’s President and Prime Minister have officially received NUG government officials and publicly condemned the military council’s coup. ASEAN Chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also engaged with NUG Prime Minister Mann Win Khaing Than. The military council has warned that it will strongly oppose Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership unless the country reconsiders its approach to Myanmar’s situation and makes firm commitments to change its policy toward Myanmar.
