Defense chiefs of the Association of Southeast Nations are holding a series of talks this week. NHK has learned that Myanmar's military-appointed defense minister is not invited to a key meeting involving the US, Japan and other countries.

The meeting is set for Wednesday in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe, will take part.

ASEAN diplomatic sources say some participants were very reluctant to sit down with a representative of Myanmar's military.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup last year. The military continues to attack pro-democracy forces.

ASEAN leaders agreed at a summit earlier this month to review Myanmar's representation at all levels of the group's gatherings.

Members of the junta are already barred from ASEAN summits and foreign ministers' meetings.