17-6-2023 (WASHINGTON) Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, expressed concern on Friday (June 16) about the lack of progress in Myanmar’s political landscape since the 2021 coup. Balakrishnan made these remarks following a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, who shared his counterpart’s pessimistic outlook.
As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore joined the bloc in excluding Myanmar’s junta from high-level meetings after the military takeover triggered widespread violence and resistance from pro-democracy forces.
During a press conference, Balakrishnan emphasized that the current situation in Myanmar does not warrant high-level engagement with the junta. However, he mentioned that Indonesia, the current ASEAN chair, has been engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders in Myanmar, including opponents of the coup, in an effort to foster dialogue.
Balakrishnan stated, “Ultimately, everyone needs to sit down and negotiate. I cannot predict how long it will take. In the past, it took 25 years for some form of democratic transition to occur in Myanmar. I hope it won’t take that long.” Despite expressing hope, he maintained a pessimistic stance.
Echoing Balakrishnan’s sentiments, Secretary of State Blinken affirmed his agreement with Singapore’s minister and pledged US support for ASEAN’s initiatives in Myanmar. He emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on the junta while seeking avenues to engage with the opposition.
The United States has already imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s military and its affiliated companies, and has called on other nations to halt arms sales to the junta. In May, a UN expert revealed that Singapore had exported supplies worth US$254 million to entities associated with the Myanmar military.
When asked about the report, Balakrishnan stated that Singapore’s policy is to make every effort to prevent the transfer of arms or dual-use items that could be used in warfare to Myanmar. He also confirmed that Singapore would take action based on the findings of the UN expert.
