Will Myanmar block East Timor’s Asean entry? Junta’s NUG warning shot tests bloc’s unity

Myanmar’s military regime is attempting to block East Timor’s accession over its engagement with the ousted National Unity Government

East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao gestures as he arrives to attend a gala dinner during an Asean summit in Vientiane, Laos, last year. Photo: Reuters
As East Timor edges closer to joining Asean, Myanmar’s military rulers are seeking to block its entry, in a warning to it – and governments everywhere – against engaging with the war-torn country’s opposition forces.
Last week, sources cited by public broadcaster Thai PBS revealed that Myanmar’s military regime had formally notified Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of its intent to withhold support for East Timor’s membership when the bloc convenes in October.
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