- The United States and the Philippines, chair of Asean, have demanded the unconditional release of detained Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
- Their statements followed Ms Suu Kyi's first meeting with a foreign official, a Red Cross representative, since her detention after the 2021 coup.
- Both nations urged for expanded access to all political prisoners in Myanmar and reiterated calls for their immediate release.
- Ms Suu Kyi's son, Kim Aris, expressed relief at seeing proof she is alive but called for further action beyond this initial visit.
- Analysts suggest the timing of the Red Cross visit was a strategic move by Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, ahead of an official trip to Bangkok.
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