On January 27, the government-aligned Khmer Times newspaper published an opinion piece defending Cambodia’s engagement with Myanmar. It counters criticism that Cambodia created rifts within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after it assumed the chairmanship of the group in October 2021. The author, Phnom Penh-based political analyst and commentator Leap Chanthavy, claims that ASEAN has been divided since Myanmar’s February 2021 military coup. But that is not Cambodia’s fault, he argues: “ASEAN is divided over Myanmar is true, but Cambodia is dividing ASEAN over Myanmar is false.” While it is true that ASEAN has never shown complete unity over the Myanmar military’s takeover, it is misleading to say that Hun Sen has not created division within the association. ASEAN, an economic and political union of 10 Southeast Asian countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – has sought to end the bloodshed that erupted in Myanmar following the coup. LINK: https://www.polygraph.info/a/fact-check-myanmar-hun-sen-asean/31679919.html » Subscribe to VOA News: https://bit.ly/3KIPysi » Watch more VOA News video: https://www.youtube.com/c/VOANews Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press. Connect with VOA News: » VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.voanews.com/ » LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/voiceofamerica » FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/voanews/ » FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/VOANews