Myanmar Junta Chief Attends BIMSTEC Summit as Quake Deaths Exceed 3,000

Myanmar's junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, arrived in Bangkok for the BIMSTEC summit amid a humanitarian crisis following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has claimed over 3,000 lives. The summit will gather leaders from the Bay of Bengal region, where relief efforts have been hampered by ongoing civil conflict and damaged infrastructure. Despite the junta's announcement of a temporary ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery, reports indicate ongoing military actions in rebel-held areas. Countries worldwide have sent aid, but many challenges remain, including a lack of coordination and access to affected regions. The summit will focus on various regional cooperation pillars, and Hlaing's participation is notable due to his military regime's controversial standing in the international community. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations continue to pressure the junta to ease restrictions on aid efforts.