ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Manila on Tuesday for three days of talks centered on the Iran war, Myanmar’s civil war and South China Sea tensions, with U.S., Chinese, Russian and EU counterparts joining later.
A joint ASEAN statement is expected to voice alarm over U.S.-Iran hostilities and urge renewed talks as the conflict threatens the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil once transited.
680 million Southeast Asians remain exposed to energy shocks from the Middle East conflict; the Philippines declared a national energy emergency in March to protect fuel and basic-goods supplies.
Marco Rubio’s visit is meant to reassure allies that Washington remains focused on the Indo-Pacific even as the Iran war draws U.S. attention and military resources away from Asia.
Myanmar and the South China Sea will test ASEAN’s diplomacy: more than 8,100 people have been killed since Myanmar’s 2021 coup, while ministers also press China on a long-delayed maritime code of conduct.
With US munitions depleted by the Iran war, can Indo-Pacific allies still rely on American military promises against China?
As Myanmar's civil war death toll surpasses 100,000, is ASEAN's diplomatic approach to the crisis completely obsolete?
Ten years after a landmark legal victory, why is the Philippines losing more ground in the South China Sea?
Navigating Crisis: ASEAN’s 2026 Ministerial Meetings and the Battle for Regional Credibility
Overview
The 2026 ASEAN Ministerial Meetings in Manila bring together regional leaders at a time of global uncertainty and persistent local tensions. With the Philippines holding the ASEAN presidency, the meetings focus on strengthening regional resilience and upholding international norms, especially regarding conflict and peace. The agenda includes preparing for the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summits, while new dynamics such as East Timor’s full membership and support from partners like Australia highlight ASEAN’s evolving role. Against a backdrop of a volatile international landscape, these discussions are crucial for shaping ASEAN’s response to both global and regional challenges.