• Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing confirmed to attend the BIMSTEC summit amid earthquake devastation.
• The earthquake's death toll exceeds 2,886, impacting international relations for Myanmar.
• Min Aung Hlaing's participation marks a rare diplomatic opportunity since the 2021 coup.

Myanmar's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is set to attend the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit in Bangkok from April 2-4, following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar, resulting in a death toll exceeding 2,886, as reported by the Bangkok Post. This marks a significant event as it provides Min Aung Hlaing a rare opportunity to engage with regional leaders, a chance that has been curtailed since he led a coup in 2021, which ignited a brutal civil conflict. The earthquake, described as the worst to strike Myanmar in over a century, has adversely affected the country and complicated its internal dynamics amidst ongoing international scrutiny. Analysts believe that the disaster may inadvertently enhance the junta’s diplomatic leverage, as regional powers like India and China seek to assert their influence in the aftermath of the natural disaster. As noted by Reuters, Min Aung Hlaing has engaged in recent discussions with leaders from China and India, igniting concern that humanitarian aid could be used to bolster his regime. Despite previous indications that Min Aung Hlaing might attend the summit remotely, the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry has confirmed that he will indeed make the trip in person. Thailand's spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, remarked that the junta leader would be present for the meetings, although details about his travel itinerary were still being finalized. The junta has been under severe pressure due to Western sanctions and restrictions on participating in ASEAN events due to its failure to uphold peace agreements, thereby rendering this attendance significant. As the summit approaches, the international community watches closely, aware that this could redefine Myanmar's strategic engagements in South Asia. According to independent analysts, the earthquake ignites more than just humanitarian concerns; it tests the junta's internal legitimacy and could impact the ongoing conflict within the country. If Min Aung Hlaing is able to succeed in leveraging this catastrophe into an opportunity for diplomatic engagement, he may further entrench the junta's power in the region despite the ongoing civil unrest. Observers from SCMP caution that the repercussions of such diplomacy can further complicate the resistance's efforts against the military regime while simultaneously showcasing the regime's perceived control over disaster relief efforts.