Key facts
- Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro called for ASEAN unity against external geopolitical pressures.
- The Philippines is set to chair ASEAN in 2026, with a focus on the South China Sea Code of Conduct.
- Tensions in the South China Sea, including recent confrontations, were highlighted.
- The U.S. and Australia are strengthening defense ties with the Philippines.
- Lazaro emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution.
Philippine Foreign Secretary and ASEAN chair Maria Theresa Lazaro warned Southeast Asian nations to remain united against geopolitical conflicts and external pressures that threaten to divide the region. Speaking at the annual ASEAN foreign ministers' conference in Manila, Lazaro emphasized the need for mutual respect for sovereignty and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The Philippines is preparing to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prioritizing the finalization of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. However, the effectiveness of ASEAN's collective approach to regional security challenges, particularly concerning China's actions in the South China Sea, has been questioned. Despite cautious statements from many member states regarding recent incidents, such as China's activities at Scarborough Shoal and confrontations involving Philippine vessels, Manila is also expanding its defense partnerships, notably with the United States.
Developments in defense cooperation include the announcement of Task Force Philippines and an Alliance Readiness Action Plan, a U.S.-Philippine initiative aimed at enhancing allied response to potential crises. This move signals a strategy of upholding ASEAN centrality in principle while simultaneously broadening strategic engagements with external partners to deter escalation.