What's happened
ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Manila as the U.S. and its allies press for freedom of navigation and a code of conduct in the South China Sea, while the Middle East crisis deepens energy and security concerns for Southeast Asia.
What's behind the headline?
Key dynamics
- The United States is reinforcing its Indo-Pacific security commitments as tensions with China escalate in the South China Sea.
- China insists on its sovereignty claims, complicating efforts toward a binding Code of Conduct with ASEAN.
- Myanmar’s civil war remains a hurdle for ASEAN’s unity and regional peace prospects.
- The Strait of Hormuz remains a pressure point for global energy markets, influencing ASEAN economies that rely on imported fuel.
What to watch
- Whether ASEAN can preserve unity on Myanmar engagement while pushing for dialogue with Beijing.
- The potential for a regional energy-sharing mechanism to cushion supply shocks.
- Any high-level bilateral talks on the sidelines that could shift the regional balance of power.
How we got here
ASEAN is hosting its annual talks in Manila amid escalating regional tensions. Delegations from the United States, China, Russia and the European Union join regional ministers to discuss the South China Sea, Myanmar’s conflict, and energy security tied to Middle East disruptions that could affect global supply lines.
Our analysis
- Independent reports on Rubio’s ASEAN meetings and South China Sea tensions; - AP News coverage of ASEAN ministers’ statements and the Hormuz issues; - Arab News analysis of the geo-political stakes in Manila.
Go deeper
- Which countries are prioritising energy security in the region?
- Will there be any direct talks between the U.S. and China during the ASEAN gathering?
- How might the Myanmar five-point plan influence ASEAN unity this year?
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