Pelosi Taiwan Visit Set to Dominate ASEAN Meet

ASEAN, long derided as a toothless talking shop that gives political cover to repressive regimes, has spearheaded so far fruitless efforts to restore peace.

Also read: ASEAN Foreign Ministers to Push for Tougher Action on Myanmar

The bloc last week condemned the military’s execution of four prisoners, with some member states growing frustrated at the lack of progress.

The five-point plan calls for an immediate end to violence and dialogue between the junta and coup opponents.

But after more than a year without progress, Malaysia has said it would present a framework for its implementation.

Myanmar itself will not be represented at the meeting after the other members said they would not accept a junta minister and the generals refused to send another official instead.

Some member states, led by Malaysia and the Philippines, are pushing to bar the military regime from sending ministers to any ASEAN meetings -- including November’s summit -- until there is progress on the five-point plan.

South China Sea

In addition to Taiwan, the ongoing South China Sea tensions will be another hot-button issue on the agenda.

Also read: Philippines: Marcos Jr. to Stand by South China Sea Ruling