Manila: Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations opened their annual meeting in Manila with growing concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, warning that the conflict between the United States and Iran could threaten global peace, energy security and economic stability. While the summit traditionally focuses on issues affecting Southeast Asia, the latest developments in the Gulf became one of the most discussed topics as leaders expressed fears that a wider conflict could have serious consequences for the region.
In a joint statement, ASEAN ministers called for restraint from all sides and urged countries involved in the conflict to avoid further military action. They stressed the need to protect civilians, respect international law and return to diplomatic dialogue to prevent the situation from escalating further. The ministers also highlighted the importance of keeping vital international shipping routes open, especially the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of the world's oil supply passes.
Many ASEAN member countries depend heavily on imported energy, making them particularly vulnerable to disruptions in global oil supplies. Officials warned that any prolonged instability in the Middle East could lead to higher fuel prices, rising inflation and slower economic growth across Southeast Asia. In response, ASEAN is discussing stronger regional cooperation on energy security, including a possible mechanism that would allow member countries to assist one another during fuel supply emergencies.
Although the Middle East conflict dominated the opening discussions, long standing regional issues also remained high on the agenda. Tensions in the South China Sea continued to be a major concern, with the Philippines once again raising complaints over the activities of Chinese coast guard and maritime vessels in disputed waters. Manila said recent incidents have increased tensions and threatened regional stability.
China rejected the allegations and maintained its position over its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Despite their differences, ASEAN and China continue negotiations on a long awaited Code of Conduct that aims to reduce the risk of confrontation and establish rules for managing disputes in the busy waterway. Diplomats acknowledged that progress has been slow, but they reaffirmed their commitment to reaching an agreement through peaceful negotiations.
The continuing crisis in Myanmar was another important subject during the meeting. More than five years after the military seized power, fighting between the armed forces and resistance groups continues in many parts of the country. ASEAN leaders expressed disappointment that Myanmar has made little progress in implementing the bloc's Five Point Consensus, which was introduced to restore peace through dialogue and humanitarian assistance.
Several ministers called for increased humanitarian support for people affected by the conflict while urging all parties in Myanmar to engage in meaningful political discussions. They also stressed that stability in Myanmar remains essential for the security of the wider Southeast Asian region.
The ASEAN gathering has also brought together senior diplomats from several major world powers, providing an opportunity for important bilateral meetings. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are among the top officials attending the series of meetings in Manila.
Rubio reaffirmed the United States' commitment to its allies in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, and repeated Washington's support for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. He also reiterated US backing for the 2016 international arbitration ruling that rejected many of China's maritime claims, although Beijing continues to reject the decision.
Reports ahead of the meetings suggested that Rubio was open to holding discussions with both Wang Yi and Lavrov, reflecting efforts to maintain diplomatic engagement despite growing global tensions.
The summit also highlighted ASEAN's effort to preserve its role as a neutral platform for dialogue at a time of increasing rivalry among major powers. Analysts say the bloc faces the difficult task of balancing its relationships with the United States, China and Russia while protecting its own economic and security interests.
As discussions continue throughout the week, ASEAN leaders are expected to focus on strengthening regional cooperation, supporting peaceful conflict resolution and ensuring that Southeast Asia remains stable despite growing uncertainty in other parts of the world. The meeting underlines the growing reality that events far beyond the region, from conflicts in the Middle East to geopolitical competition among major powers, are having an increasingly direct impact on the future of Southeast Asia.