The sudden removal of one of Burma’s most powerful men sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community in the old capital of Yangon.

The United States call for a “freeze” on “provocative acts” in the South China Sea got a cool response at the August regional meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, also attended by many dialog partners in Burma’s capital, Naypyidaw. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry had expected more from the meeting with the 10-nation bloc, also attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and diplomats from a host of other regional players, including Japan and South Korea.

More than one battle is underway in Burma, with policy contortions little understood by the outside world.