ASEAN leaders met in the Philippines to discuss cooperation and coordination in responding to crises, amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, Myanmar, and the Thai-Cambodian border.
On May 7, 2569 at 10.54:XNUMX a.m., Bloomberg News reported that Leaders from Southeast Asian countries traveled to the Philippines for the annual ASEAN Summit.The discussions focused on ways to strengthen economic cooperation and enhance regional resilience amidst pressure from the energy crisis linked to the US-led conflict in Iran.
The 11 ASEAN member countries share a common goal of defining their approach to addressing rising energy demand, as several nations face soaring energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
In addition to economic issues, ASEAN leaders are also preparing to discuss regional security problems, including disputes in the South China Sea, the civil war in Myanmar, and tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Maria Teresa P. Lazaro, the Philippine Foreign Minister. Speaking at the ministerial meeting in Cebu, he said that experience from past crises has shown that ASEAN needs to strengthen crisis coordination mechanisms and enhance the readiness of regional institutions. He added, "As we gather today, our region is at a critical juncture."
The Philippine Foreign Minister stated that ASEAN countries import approximately 66% of their total crude oil needs, and the conflict with Iran is driving up food and fuel prices, impacting transportation, tourism, and migrant workers in the Middle East.
The Philippine government is pushing for a joint statement on the Middle East crisis at the summit to enhance coordination in responding to future emergencies, according to ASEAN spokesperson Dominic Xavier Imperial.
Manila is also preparing to propose a draft declaration on maritime cooperation amid tensions with China over the South China Sea.
This meeting coincided with large-scale military exercises in the Philippines, involving the United States, Japan, Australia, and other allies, including live-fire training and naval drills near strategically important locations such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
The Philippines, as the host country, also urged member countries to avoid trade restrictions and maintain the flow of goods to alleviate supply problems. It also proposed establishing a mechanism for sharing oil reserves among member countries in times of crisis. However, analysts believe this approach may be difficult to implement.
Joycee Teodoro, Senior Analyst for Southeast Asia at Control Risks, stated that when crises escalate, member countries tend to prioritize domestic interests over regional commitments, citing Thailand's suspension of oil exports to countries other than Laos and Myanmar as an example.
refer : bloomberg.com
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