Malaysia’s Myanmar bet? Repatriations pave way for diplomacy

AI Summary

Malaysia has repatriated Myanmar nationals ahead of a visit to Kuala Lumpur by Myanmar’s leader, in a move that appears to signal renewed bilateral engagement. Analysts warn that growing ASEAN outreach to Naypyidaw could normalize ties with Myanmar and weaken pressure to end its civil war.

Malaysia’s repatriation of Myanmar nationals ahead of a visit to Kuala Lumpur by the war-torn country’s leader appears to mirror efforts by other Asean countries seeking to mend ties with Naypyidaw. Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have stepped up engagement with Myanmar at the bilateral level recently, raising questions about whether a gradual normalisation between the bloc and the country could undermine efforts to end its civil war, according to analysts. Nearly...