Behind the scenes of ASEAN summit, Suu Kyi plea quietly dropped

Bloc struggles to show unity, leaving Myanmar junta chief to slip through cracks

20210503N ASEAN protest

Protests were held near the ASEAN Secretariat building in Jakarta ahead of last week's summit on Myanmar. © Reuters

KOYA JIBIKI, Nikkei staff writer

JAKARTA -- Sporting a dark grey suit instead of his military olive drab, Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing looked unruffled at last week's meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders as he delivered a 30-minute presentation -- complete with slides and handouts -- to justify the military's seizure of power.

Before the summit, the senior general had switched his blue tie for one in red: one of the colors of Myanmar's flag, symbolizing courage and decisiveness.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.