Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing visits Cambodia as he seeks to restore ASEAN engagement

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- The leader of Myanmar’s military-backed government was in Cambodia on Friday to meet with its leaders in his latest effort to normalize relations with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as critics warn the visit could weaken the bloc's collective efforts to address Myanmar’s conflicts.Min Aung Hlaing has stepped up his engagements to normalize diplomatic relations and secure international legitimacy since he was sworn in as president in April following an election that critics say was designed to cement the military’s hold on power.The outreach is part of an attempt to rebuild regional ties that deteriorated after Min Aung Hlaing ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February 2021 while serving as army chief.Friday’s trip is Min Aung Hlaing’s fourth visit to an ASEAN member state as he seeks to restore his standing within the 11-member bloc, to which Myanmar and Cambodia belong.Min Aung Hlaing faced years of diplomatic isolation following his 2021 takeover and was barred from top-level ASEAN meetings for failing to comply with the bloc's peace plan for Myanmar. The plan called for an end to violence, dialogue among all parties, me...